Objective:To examine current models of Behavioural and psychological smptoms of dementia(BPSD)
Design:Literature review and results of a contolled trial of psychosocial intervention in dementia
Materials and Methods:After many years of neglect,BPSD have become prominent in psychogeriatric research.A medical model is predominent.Key components of this model are; correlations of behaviour with localised brain impairment;attempts to cluster behaviour into syndromes;and attempts to use standard(often pharmacological)treatments for these "syndromes".The Literature on which this model is based will be reviewed.Evidence for an alternative model will be presented,which will include the results of a multi-facetted,case-specific approach to behavioral change in dementia.
Results:Such an approach led to a 42% reduction in problem behaviours in the intervention group(n=44) versus the control group(n=23)
Conclusion:This alternative model suggests that the concept of BPSD is complex and that a medical model has a poor fit at the individual case level
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