Treatment of Cognitive Decline and Psychiatric Disturbances Associated With Alzheimer's Dementia

Abstract

Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the most common type of dementia. In addition to the cognitive and functional disturbances that happen as the disease progresses, other psychological disturbances may manifest. Depression, insomnia, anxiety, and psychosis are among several psychological conditions which can occur concomitantly with AD. These changes can result in decreased quality of life for both patients and caregivers, increase caregiver burden, and impact the decision to place a patient with AD into a long-term care facility. An evidence-based review of the literature was performed to ascertain if a specific recommendation for pharmacotherapy can be made based on current research in this specific patient population.