Some problematic behaviors in Alzheimer's dementia

Abstract

We examined 18 patients with problematic behaviors in relation to their individual characteristics and their possible relationship to certain aspects of dementia namely cognitive impairment, stage of illness, language impediment and functional disability. They formed part of an earlier assessment of 94 patients with dementia-related problems. Ten had altered eating habits and eight (8.5%) of them had hyperphagia. One exhibited an incomplete form of Kluver–Bucy Syndrome. Two had pathological stealing and one scatolia (smearing of faeces). The remaining had bizzare behaviors such as screaming and head banging. The majority of the patients were in the moderate category in relation to the four domains tested. The study revealed that behavioral problems in the more severe dementia becomes less of a problem to the caregivers and others. These behaviors could dramatically affect the social and interpersonal relationships resulting in community, family and caregiver burden.