Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Question 1

what is BPSD

Answer 1

BPSD refers to a wide range of behavioral and psychological symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of neurocognitive disorders

Question 2

What is responsive behaviour

Answer 2

Responsive behavior, on the other hand, refers to behaviors that individuals exhibit in response to their environment, experiences, or unmet needs

Question 3

Name the 10 different responsive behaviours

Answer 3

 Aggression
 Agitation
 Walking about
 Restlessness
 Hoarding
 Yelling
 Shadowing
 Depression
 Delusions and/or
hallucinations
 Making unexpected
noises

Question 4

Effective approaches to
responding to aggression

Answer 4

 Watch for increased movement as a sign of anxiety.
 Respond supportively and reassure with a gentle voice.
 Reduce noise to create a calm environment.
 Maintain a consistent routine to provide stability

Question 5

What is sundowning?

Answer 5

refers to a phenomenon commonly observed in people with dementia, particularly in the late afternoon or evening hours. It involves an increase in confusion, agitation, irritability, anxiety, or disruptive behaviors that typically occur as daylight wanes and the sun sets

Question 6

Possible Causes of Agitation

Answer 6

 Environmental, such as changes to living
arrangements or in caregivers
 Fear of bathing, unknown surroundings or having
clothes changed
 Dehydration

Question 7

Effective approaches to
responding to sundowning

Answer 7

 Maintain a calming routine in the evening.
 Ensure the environment is well-lit to reduce
confusion.
 Limit stimulating activities in the late afternoon or
evening.

Question 8

Responsive Behaviours that will likely
NOT respond to medications

Answer 8

1. Wandering
2. Vocal disruptive behavior
3. Rummaging and hoarding
4. Repetitive activity