Agitated dementia: drug vs nondrug treatment.

Cleve Clin J Med · 1998

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Abstract

When an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease or other form of dementia exhibits agitated behavior, the caregiver often wants the physician to "do something"--i.e., give a neuroleptic drug. Yet, an individualized, rational approach to identify and treat the cause of the agitation is more effective. We present an algorithm that emphasizes environmental and behavioral therapy.