Dementia is becoming an expensive disease worldwide and its prevalence is on the rise, particularly in the developing countries. The non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are particularly challenging for the caregivers resulting in significant caregiver stress, leading to burnout and institutionalization.
An overview of BPSD including the spectrum of behavioural problems, aetiology of BPSD, approaches to treatment of BPSD focusing on Person Centred Care (PCC) will be presented. For healthcare workers, not trained in Gerontology, taking care of patients with BPSD is challenging and stressful. The majority of caregivers end up restraining the patients - either physically or chemically, for their safety.
