Dementia affects 55 million people globally, with over 75% experiencing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). These symptoms contribute significantly to health, social, and financial burdens, including increased caregiver strain and earlier nursing home admissions. Despite the availability of both nonpharmacologic (eg, music therapy, caregiver training) and pharmacologic (eg, antipsychotics, antidepressants) treatments, there is considerable variation in clinical practice, with nonpharmacologic interventions often underutilized due to barriers like limited time and resources.

A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines found that while 23 moderate to high-quality guidelines offered 264 recommendations for various BPSDs, there was significant variability in the strength and clarity of these recommendations. The review highlighted gaps in the guidelines, such as the need for better tools and strategies to address specific symptoms like inappropriate sexual behavior and apathy. It also emphasized the importance of involving people with lived dementia experience in guideline development and considering health equity in recommendations. These findings underscore the need for more consistent and applicable guidelines to improve BPSD care and reduce practice variation.

Reference: Watt JA, Porter J, Tavilsup P. Guideline Recommendations on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2024;25(5):837-846.e21. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.03.007.