This guidance and resource pack aims to support better understanding and improved care of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. It includes includes specific guidance on the prescribing of medication.
The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia can be distressing for people and their carers and they can be difficult to understand and treat. Finding the underlying cause is sometimes simple but it can be complicated and need expert assessment.
This guidance and resource pack:
- describes the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
- explains what can lead to changes in behaviour in a person with dementia
- gives examples of ways problematic behaviour can change in response to person centred care without medication
- includes pathways for managing very difficult behaviour and when medication is needed
- includes specific guidance on the prescribing and review of antipsychotics in dementia
- explains safeguards and considerations needed for decision making and capacity.
The guidance stresses that the more practitioners can tailor the intervention to the person, the more effective it will be. It encourages practitioners to talk to as many people who know the person as possible to find out more about their personality, personal history (life story), likes and dislikes.