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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

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Automated, Long-term Behavioral Assay for Cognitive Functions in Multiple Genetic Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Using IntelliCage
Published on: August 4, 2018
[Mental-behavioral disorders in Alzheimer's disease]
J Touchon1, F Portet-Tarodo, K Ritchie
1Unité de neurologie comportementale, CHU Montpellier.
La Revue Du Praticien
|December 17, 1998
Summary
Alzheimer's disease frequently causes behavioral and psychological disorders like depression and agitation. Effective management requires addressing cerebral lesions, environmental factors, and employing both medication and supportive therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
Context:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPS) are prevalent in AD patients.
- These symptoms significantly impact patient quality of life and caregiver burden.
Purpose:
- To review the common behavioral and psychological disorders in Alzheimer's disease.
- To discuss the multifactorial etiology of these symptoms.
- To outline current management and treatment strategies.
Summary:
- Common BPS in AD include depression, apathy, agitation, aggression, psychosis, and sleep disturbances.
- Etiological factors encompass cerebral lesions, environmental stressors, comorbidities, iatrogenic influences, and psychological responses.
- Management necessitates a comprehensive approach, considering individual patient factors.
Impact:
- Highlights the complexity of managing BPS in AD.
- Emphasizes the need for integrated treatment plans combining pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Informs clinicians and caregivers on effective strategies for symptom management and patient care.
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