Managing the behavioral problems of dementia in the home

The majority of persons with dementia are cared for in the home by family and friends. The goals of treatment in this setting are to maximize the quality of life of the demented person and minimize burdens on the caregiver. Behavioral problems are common with dementia and can lead to significant caregiver burden. Behaviors that are most common or most serious to caregivers include behaviors related to memory disturbances, restlessness and agitation, catastrophic reactions, day/night disturbances, delusions, wandering, and physical violence. A general method for clinicians to manage these problems involves the identification of the behavior and its antecedent and consequent events. Stressors that may cause behavioral problems include fatigue, a change of routine, excessive demands, overwhelming stimuli, and acute illness or pain. Caregivers can be taught to identify these stressors in order to prevent or alleviate troublesome behaviors. When behavioral techniques are not successful and the behaviors are particularly dangerous or burdensome, therapy with low doses of high-potency neuroleptics has been suggested. Measures such as these to help caregivers in the management of dementia at home can be instrumental in improving the quality of life for the person with dementia.