[Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in a pilot psychogeriatric unit: management and outcomes]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2011 Mar;167(3):254-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2010.07.030. Epub 2010 Oct 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are a major concern. The French government gave a consensual definition of reinforced intermediate-term care units for BPSD within the project "Plan Alzheimer 2008/2012".

Objective: Our aim was to report one of the first experiences of this unit in France.

Results: Fifty-two patients (38 females, 14 males) were included, mean age 82.07±7.84 (73-97). About 80% of patients were improved and there was a high discharge rate to home of about 30%. Night-time behaviors, aberrant motor behaviors and agitation were the most frequent symptoms.

Conclusion: Our study confirms that demented elderly patients greatly benefit from a specific BPSD care unit in agreement with the objective of Plan Alzheimer 2008/2012.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dementia / drug therapy
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Dementia / rehabilitation
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • France
  • Geriatric Psychiatry / organization & administration*
  • Health Services for the Aged / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Hospital Units / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Intermediate Care Facilities / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Intermediate Care Facilities / organization & administration*
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / complications
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Patient Discharge
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs