Neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly – a short practical approach

Abstract

Life expectancy increases neurological and psychiatric pathology in the elderly. Neurocognitive disorders have an increasing incidence and therefore Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia become a common pathology. Delirium is a quite frequent symptom in general practice and managing agitation in elders can become challenging for the doctor, especially because of presence of comorbidity and sometimes of paradoxical reactions due to cerebral vulnerability. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a challenge in management of patients with neurodegenerative disorders, being a real burden for patients themselves, caregivers and medical staff. A concise guide for managing these symptoms with non-pharmacological methods and drugs allowed in such conditions.

Keywords

• neuropsychiatric symptoms
• behavioral
• non-pharmacological management
• allowed medication