Severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia successfully treated at home with a blonanserin transdermal patch: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Aim Behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are sometimes difficult to treat due to severe psychiatric symptoms such as delusions of poisoning and violent behavior. Moreover, in cases of parental neglect, the management of these psychiatric symptoms becomes more difficult. Therefore, home‐visiting doctors sometimes have to manage patients with BPSD and severe psychiatric symptoms, and a new approach is needed. In this case report, the effect of blonanserin transdermal patch on these patients is to be highlighted. Methods The patient is a 91‐year‐old woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She had severe BPSD such as delusion of robbery and violent behavior, and refused oral medications including memantine and yokukansan. Then she was treated with blonanserin transdermal patch (20 mg/day). The severity of psychiatric symptoms of BPSD was assessed over time using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score. Moreover, the patient's cognitive function was also assessed over time by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results After the introduction of blonanserin patch, the patient's psychiatric symptoms were stabilized markedly, and both NPI and MMSE scores improved. The patient was able to stay at home calmly and was mentally well stabilized to the extent that she did not require hospitalization. No apparent side effects were admitted. Conclusions The blonanserin transdermal patch may be able to manage BPSD at home and is effective in patients who refuse oral medications. Home‐visiting doctors may consider the use of blonanserin patches at home for patients with severe BPSD, manifesting as delusions of poisoning and refusing oral drugs.

Keywords

• Alzheimer's disease
• behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia
• blonanserin transdermal patch
• home treatment
• neuropsychiatric inventory