Best practices in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in residents of long-term care facilities in Alberta

The Health Technology Assessment Unit, University of Calgary
Record ID 32015000511
English
Authors' recommendations: BPSD is a heterogeneous set of complex symptoms that may require a multifaceted approach to their successful management. This evidence synthesis generally supports the recommendations within the BC guidelines. Non-pharmacological interventions are likely a viable first-line of treatment for managing BPSD with 21/40 RCTs reporting improved outcomes, and no studies reporting worsening behavior or adverse events. The evidence to support alternative pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors, mood stabilizers, anti-epileptics, benzodiazepines, and sedatives is limited. There are a small number of studies of low to moderate quality. However, these studies generally support that alternative pharmacological treatments have a similar impact on BPSD outcomes and similar short-term safety profiles. Evidence assessing modifications to the built environment to manage BPSD show small improvements or no difference in the frequency and/or severity of BPSD. The cost-effectiveness of the above mentioned alternatives to antipsychotics has not been formally assessed.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2014
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Canada
MeSH Terms
  • Humans
  • Dementia
  • Residential Facilities
  • Long-Term Care
Contact
Organisation Name: HTA Unit, University of Calgary
Contact Address: 3rd Floor, TRW Building, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4Z6
Contact Name: fclement@ucalgary.ca
Contact Email: fclement@ucalgary.ca
Copyright: University of Calgary
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