What are BPSD?

What  are  BPSD?

BPSD is an acronym that describes the behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia, non-cognitive symptoms that arise from dementia's disturbed perception, thought content, mood or behavior.

The list is long, including but not limited to:

  • aggressive, combative or threatening behavior
  • agitation, anxiousness
  • combativeness and threatening behavior
  • delusions, usually of infidelity, abandonment and theft
  • depression and withdrawal
  • eating inedible objects
  • hallucinations believed to be true
  • hiding and hoarding
  • inappropriate dressing/undressing
  • inappropriate urination/defecation
  • irrationally fearfulness
  • repetitive activity
  • tugging at seatbelts
  • vocally disruptive behavior
  • wandering 

These behaviors have normally been treated with antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs and mood management drugs. However, LBD's symptom of drug sensitivity drives care partners and Lewy-savvy physicians to look for other methods of treatment. Now experts are advocating that you try  "non-drug options" first with all, BPSD no matter the kind of dementia involved.[i]

When care partners think of these behaviors as indicators of unmet needs, or "stress-related communication," they can look for its underlying cause and remedy it, instead treating the behavior itself. This often leads directly to the use of the non-drug options, such as the more responsive communication or Responsive Care Partnering.

Find here a good article on BPSD.

References:

[i] Cane, M. (2015) Elderly at risk when antipsychotic drugs used to treat dementia. The Columbus Dispatch  •  Monday November 2, 2015.

The LBDtools Learning Center
Non Drug Options
The Disorders
Resources and Links
The Dementia's
Being a Responsive Care Partner

A Special Caregiver's LBDtools.com Offer!

This is a $62.85 Value for $52.85
THAT'S A $10.00 SAVINGS!

The Caregivers Guide to Lewy Body Dementia by award winning authors Helen and James Whitworth is the first book to present a thorough picture of Lewy body dementia in everyday language.

Responsive Dementia Care: Fewer Behaviors, Fewer Drugs provides family and professional caregivers with tools for dealing with difficult dementia-related behaviors.

This trio pack is rounded out with the UPDATED Riding a Rollercoaster With Lewy Body Dementia, the Whitworth's manual for caregivers of LBD patients.

Subscribe to The Rollercoaster

Stay Informed - Be Empowered

Contact Us:

Our Site:

Our Site:

Join Us:

Copyright 2014 - 2016: The Whitworths of Arizona - www.lbdtools.com - All Rights Reserved

site design by: