Pharmacotherapy for BPSD

Katsuyoshi Mizukami

Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba

　　The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including aggression, agitation, depression, apathy, hallucination, and delusion, occur in 80% of patients with dementia, and have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients as well as on that of caregivers. Although non-pharmacological interventions should be the first-line treatment for BPSD, patients with severe BPSD often require management using medications. Although medications are various depending on the symptoms, safe and appropriate pharmacotherapy is useful and important for treating BPSD.

Address correspondence to Dr. Katsuyoshi Mizukami, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba(1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan)