Neuropsychiatric symptom clusters targeted for treatment at earlier versus later stages of dementia

Abstract

Two analytical methods identified neuropsychiatric symptom clusters targeted to track the disease course. In CIND/mild dementia, a profile of decreased initiative distinct from depression suggests possible executive dysfunction. In moderate/severe dementia, targets more reflected psychotic symptoms. Visual data displays allow the relationships between multiple symptoms to be considered simultaneously, which commonly is how they present in patients.

Exploration of verbal repetition in people with dementia using an online symptom-tracking tool

“…The utilization of web-based systems for information sharing, online peer support, risk reduction tools, and strategies and even web-based cognitive training for people with dementia and their caregivers is expanding; however, the internet's potential clinical applications remain relatively untapped by the medical community in caring for people with dementia (McKechnie et al , 2014; Cristancho-Lacroix et al , 2015; Pot et al , 2015). This study adds to previous research (Rockwood et al , 2012; Rockwood et al , 2015), establishing the feasibility of an online tool that is both a resource for consumers and a real world data-source for research. Nonetheless, data collected online need to be utilized with prudence.…”

Aggressive Behaviors in Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Of the 17 studies included, four provided data on aggressive behaviors in AD and MCI, with healthy elderly as the comparison group 12, 13, 14, 15. Nine studies provided data for comparison between AD and MCI,12, 13, 14, 1520, 21, 22, 23, 24 three for comparison between amnestic and nonamnestic MCI,25, 26, 27 and five comparing AD and other types of dementia 13, 28, 29, 30, 31. Of the individuals with AD, 27.8% (n = 2,321) had aggressive behaviors compared with 7.4% (n = 306) of those with MCI and 5.8% (n = 54) of the healthy elderly.…”

Sleep disturbances are key symptoms of very early stage Alzheimer disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms: a Japan multi‐center cross‐sectional study (J‐BIRD)

“…Rockwood et al conducted a detailed investigation to characterize the interrelationship of each domain of BPSD in patients at different stages of dementia according to the Global Deterioration Scale. They demonstrated that at very early and mild stages of dementia, hallucination was associated with sleep disturbances, and at moderate and severe stages, hallucination and lower mood were associated with sleep disturbances (Rockwood et al, ). However, in that study, types of dementias other than AD were not excluded, and the investigation was mainly targeted to caregivers' needs in tracking neuropsychiatric symptoms.…”