Data from this first US population-based study of AD-associated neuropsychiatric disturbances suggest that a significant majority of persons with AD suffer from one or more neuropsychiatric disturbance. Based on phenomenological study, the spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD can be empirically classified into three groups: an affective syndrome, a psychotic syndrome and other neuropsychiatric disturbance. The biologic and predictive validity of this classification merits further investigation.

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Dementia is present in a significant proportion of patients admitted to general inpatient units. Patients with dementia are admitted for different reasons than patients without dementia and appear to have longer stays, which are associated with higher costs. Efforts to identify dementia early during hospitalization could improve patient care and reduce costs.