[Non-pharmacologic approach in severe dementia]

Care for patients with Alzheimer's disease, particularly with severe dementia, requires a global therapeutic strategy integrating pharmacological approach into the environmental dimensions, psychotherapeutics and rehabilitation. The objective is to maintain autonomy as long as possible but also to improve the quality of life by reducing the psychological suffering of patients and families. In severe dementia, behavioral techniques and organization of the environment are possible at home but, actually, most of the patients are institutionalized. Structures having a specific project of life, of care and specific architectural design should be preferred. Education and support for caregivers as well as training of the nursing staff are essential to develop better attitudes toward the patient, improve communication and optimize the quality of life. In spite of the low level of evidence in the evaluation of these strategies on account of the lack of adapted indicators and rarity of specific research, widely spread techniques can confer special purport to this difficult stage for the patients and their family.