I know not everyone has an interest in this area but its worth a read. I
have the full text if anyone wants it.

BW

Alex



Research Article
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Part I: findings
from the two-year longitudinal Maasbed study
Pauline Aalten 1, Marjolein E. de Vugt 1, Niek Jaspers 2, Jaspers Jolles
1, Frans R. J. Verhey 1 *
1Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht,
The Netherlands
2Regional Institute for Community Mental Health Care, Maastricht, The
Netherlands


Abstract

Background
Although neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia are common, there have
been few large long-term prospective studies assessing the course of a
broad range of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.

Objectives
To investigate the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with
dementia, including data about prevalence, incidence and persistence.

Methods
One hundred and ninety-nine patients with dementia were assessed every
six months for two-years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to
evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Results
Nearly all patients (95%) developed one or more neuropsychiatric
symptoms in the two-year study period. Mood disorders were the most
common problem. The severity of depression decreased, whereas the
severity of apathy and aberrant motor behaviour increased during
follow-up. The cumulative incidence was highest for hyperactive
behaviours and apathy. Overall behavioral problems were relatively
persistent, but most symptoms were intermittent, with apathy and
aberrant motor behaviour being persistent for longer consecutive
periods.

Conclusions
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia are a common and major problem.
Different symptoms have their own specific course, most of the time show
a intermittent course, but behavioural problems overall are chronically
present. The data have implications for developing treatment strategies.
Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.