Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment of Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition and Limb Clasping in Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyloid-β and Tau Neuropathology
Published on: May 28, 2017
Behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes in Alzheimer's disease
1Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of California-Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza Rm. 2-238, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. j.cummings@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia pose significant challenges in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with cognitive decline, highly impaired activities of daily living, and frontal lobe pathology. Moreover, behavioral and psychological symptoms can diminish patient quality of life, increase caregiver distress, and accelerate nursing home placement. Although these symptoms are often associated with the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, a high percentage of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's report symptoms as well. This article provides an overview of behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and discusses nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches to the management of such symptoms. For patients with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, psychotropic agents may be warranted, whereas approved therapies for Alzheimer's, including cholinesterase inhibitors and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine, may be appropriate in less severe cases.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.

