A Deep Dive into Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia(BPSD)

Dementia is a severe neurological condition that affects the elderly. It is a chronic disorder that can cause a host of physical issues along with associated mental health issues. BPSD dementia has no treatment as of now, but treatment can slow down its progress, allowing a person to enjoy a better quality of life. 

What are the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?

As mentioned above, BPSD Dementia causes overall degeneration in a person’s health. However, it is majorly associated with cognitive decline over time. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can cause significant distress to a person and their families. It can also render a person helpless and in need of support as time wears on. 

Common Symptoms of BPSD Disorder

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) significantly affect the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate care and support. Here's a breakdown of the common symptoms associated with BPSD:

Apathy and Emotional Blunting

As people battle neurocognitive decline associated with dementia, they may also experience apathy and emotional blunting. Normal things that would elicit a response or emotion from them fail to do so. They may also look like they lack the initiative to do certain things they previously used to do effectively. 

Agitation and Aggressive Behavior

Aggression and situations tied to aggressive behavior can be very subjective when deciding what is a valid emotional response and what isn’t. So, it is important to be careful while labeling a person’s behavior. 

Having said this, a person with dementia could exhibit agitation or aggressive behavior that might not be previously associated with their demeanor. This may come out verbally, physically, or emotionally. 

Depression and Anxiety

Common co-morbidities associated with dementia are depression and anxiety. As a person understands their diagnosis and its implications, a sense of sadness and even depression could set in many times. Further, simple tasks that involve going out or interacting with people could set off a sense of anxiety in individuals battling dementia. 

Psychosis (Hallucinations and Delusions)

As the body of a person facing dementia undergoes neurocognitive changes, psychosis could be a common symptom that arises. These include hallucinations (seeing or perceiving things that are not there) and delusions (having ideas or thoughts that are not based on reality). Both of these can be significant causes of stress for both the individual and their loved ones. 

Hyperactivity (Pacing, Restlessness, Sleeplessness, Disinhibition)

Another peculiar symptom of the condition is seen to be hyperactivity. A person battling dementia may come across as restless and might want to move around quite randomly. They may also display a sense of disinhibition, wherein they are unable to hold back a behavior or act that would previously be considered inappropriate. Another symptom associated here is sleeplessness. 

Wandering and Disorientation

This is an oft-described and very disturbing symptom of dementia. Individuals tend to wander off, forgetting what they were doing or where they were. They also face a sense of disorientation that can cause them significant pain. 

Causes of BPSD Dementia

The causes of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are multifaceted, involving complex interactions between neurological changes, environmental factors, and individual psychology. Here's a closer look at what drives these challenging symptoms:

Neurological Changes and Brain Damage

BPSD dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that changes the brain's physical and chemical and physical composition. As the brain undergoes severe damage as part of the course of the disorder, it influences the changes in a person’s behavior and perception of the world around them. 

Psychological Impact of Cognitive Decline

This cognitive decline can have a steep psychological impact on a person. They may find it incredibly difficult to reconcile with the fact that the activities they once used to perform with ease are no longer easy for them. 

Even daily activities could seem to be very difficult for them, causing them a lot of psychological distress. They may slowly lose the urge to be part of social events, meet people they love, and may even isolate themselves. 

Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions

Dementia also has the ability to exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Especially in the case of mood disorders, the impact of a dementia diagnosis can cause severe emotional distress, leading to more severe episodes of the condition. 

Medication Side Effects and Interactions

Medication meant to slow down the progress of the disorder can also cause changes in mood and emotional distress to a person. Since these medications try to fiddle around with the brain’s chemical composition, they can be a source of problems for the individual. However, a professional will always weigh the pros and cons of a medication before prescribing it. 

Impact of BPSD on Patients and Caregivers

The impact of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) extends far beyond the patients, deeply affecting caregivers and family members. Understanding this impact is essential for fostering empathy and improving care strategies. Here's a detailed look at the consequences:

Emotional and Psychological Toll on Patients

Regularly battling the behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with bpsd disorder can leave a significant emotional and psychological scar on a person’s mind. Especially when you combine with it the naturally chronic and progressive nature of the disorder. 

Challenges in Daily Care and Lifestyle Adjustments

These symptoms could also necessitate a significant change in a person’s lifestyle and daily routine. They may have to forego things they once enjoyed to accommodate for the issues they face. Further, safety measures might have to be taken by the people around to protect a person from the symptoms. 

Caregiver Stress and Burnout

Caregivers also bear a large brunt of dealing with this disorder. From the unpredictable nature of the symptoms to the progressive nature of them, caregivers combat a host of challenges as they try to care for their loved ones. Emotional regulation and mental health management of caregivers is a significant part of managing dementia as well. 

Social Isolation and Relationship Strains

As alluded to before, there is a sense of shame and stigma associated with the symptoms that dementia brings with it. People might feel like they’re no longer capable or on equal footing with someone else. This could lead to social isolation and the letting of certain relationships because of this isolation. Between the person and their caregiver, there could be strained relationships as the disorder takes its toll. 

Management and Treatment Strategies for BPSD Dementia

As mentioned previously, there is no cure for the disorder yet. However, there are ways to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with the disorder, allowing a person to be more independent and functional as they battle dementia. The key is to seek the appropriate treatment at an early stage. 

Pharmacological Treatments and Medication Management

Medication can be a treatment that the doctor might prescribe if there is a need for it. These will be to manage the neurocognitive decline associated with the disorder and the variations in mood as well.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Mood Management

CBT is seen to be extremely effective in helping people with mood management and emotional regulation. For those with dementia, this could be a non-invasive and painless way to improve their general mental well-being. There are specific modules of CBT that are dedicated to helping those with dementia manage their condition better and there are clinical psychologists who are licensed to use this module. Reaching out to them would be the best course of action. 

Music and Art Therapy for Emotional Expression and Engagement

Music therapy and art therapy are supplemental therapeutic approaches that are focused on helping a person express their emotions in a way that is pleasurable and simple. Through artistic expression, a person could learn to relieve the stress and pain associated with managing the condition. 

Reminiscence Therapy to Enhance Memory and Identity

Reminiscence therapy is a part of the dementia treatment regimen wherein a person is taken through a journey of their past (usually through visual or auditory stimulation) and talks about various events in their life. This is a form of talk therapy that is conducted under the supervision of a trained professional. 

Occupational Therapy for Daily Functioning and Skills

Dementia, as understood before, can cause a person to lose the ability to complete daily tasks related to personal hygiene, safety, and more. Occupational therapy, under the guidance of trained therapists, can help a person regain these skills to some degree. This allows them to retain a sense of independence and achievement.

Behavioral Modification Techniques

Since behavioral changes are a significant part of the effects of bpsd disorder, behavioral modification techniques come in quite handy. Through a combination of positive reinforcement and more, people are able to regulate their emotions much more effectively. 

Incorporating Caregiver Psychotherapy and Counseling

Caregivers, who share a large burden of a disorder like dementia, need help too. Psychotherapy and counseling are seen to be extremely effective in helping caregivers manage the pressures associated with dementia. 

Embrace Compassionate Solutions for Managing BPSD Dementia at Cadabams

At Cadabams, we have over three decades of experience in helping people manage bpsd disorder. We offer advanced treatment options, diverse therapeutic approaches, and cutting-edge infrastructure to ensure that you get comprehensive care that leads to meaningful leaps of improvement. We also understand the emotional and psychological toll the disorder takes on everyone who is involved and offer curated programs to help deal with the unique challenges dementia presents. Talk to us today and take the first step towards holistic and inclusive recovery. 

FAQ

What are BPSD symptoms?

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are a set of symptoms associated with dementia that reflect changes in behavior, exacerbated mood disorders, aggression and agitation, and more. 

What is the treatment for BPSD?

There is a diverse range of treatment options available for BPSD disorder ranging from pharmacological intervention to behavioral modification techniques. A mental health professional would assess a person’s condition and suggest a course unique to them. 

What are the categories of BPSD?

Apathy, depression, psychosis, agitation, and aggression are the different categories under which BPSD is classified.