The more common behavioral disturbances associated with dementia in elderly patients include depression, psychosis, and agitation. Diagnosis of the underlying cause of these behavioral disturbances begins with a careful investigation of possible medical or toxic disturbances, followed by a careful diagnostic assessment for co-morbid psychiatric syndromes. Treatment of the psychiatric syndromes is often beneficial to the demented patient, improving functional status and reducing the potential for additional morbidity. Patients receiving psychoactive drugs require close monitoring for side effects.
