Behavioural changes in people with learning disability and dementia: a descriptive study

The behaviour of 12 people with mild and more severe learning disability and dementia is described using Past Behavioural History Inventory (PBHI), an instrument devised for the description of behaviour in people of normal intelligence and dementia. The PBHI appears sensitive to behavioural changes. The behavioural changes are described and are similar to those seen in people without a learning disability. Carers were unaware of the behavioural changes associated with dementia. The behavioural changes could be used to assist in the earlier diagnosis and management of dementia in people with learning disability.