Positive behaviour support for people with dementia

Key points
Legislative changes are directing clinical practice away from using medication as a first-line approach for behaviour management.

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a non-pharmacological intervention approach with increasing acceptance in the disability sector.

The utility of PBS for people living with dementia is not well understood.

Implementing PBS requires specialist skills and, at times, significant resources. In the context of a progressive disease, this raises important considerations about ‘bang for buck’ for funders.