Treating behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

If you are worried about the use of antipsychotics, there are things you can do. Always remember that you have a right to ask questions and find out more. Where possible and appropriate, people with dementia, their families and carers should be involved in decisions about any medical treatment.

Questions about general treatment and care

Good person-centred care is important for preventing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Key questions to ask the doctor are:

• Has the person had a medical review recently?
• Does the person have a care plan? Is it tailored to their wishes and needs?
• What signs should I be looking out for to help stop their symptoms getting worse?

Questions to ask if behavioural and psychological symptoms start

• Are there any general health problems that might be causing these symptoms? What about pain?
• Have you looked at the environment and care the person is receiving? Have there been any changes in these recently?
• Can we try some non-drug approaches?
• What information do you need from me, as a carer, to help design a care plan based around the person as an individual?

Questions to ask about non-drug approaches

• What non-drug approaches have been tried?
• Does the person have a care plan based on person-centred care?
• Can I see a copy of the care plan?
• Can I add to the care plan?
• How is the care plan used?
• Can we use the 'This is me' leaflet to record the person's needs, likes and dislikes?
  

Questions to ask about antipsychotic drugs

• Is it in the person's best interests to have these drugs?
• What is the drug being used for?
• Are the drugs the right way to treat this problem?
• Did you follow the NICE guidelines to decide that these drugs should be used?
• Have you seen the Alzheimer's Society Best practice guide for health and social care professionals for managing the behavioural and psychological behaviours of dementia?
• What non-drug treatments have been tried first?
• What are the benefits, side-effects and risks of the treatment?
• How long has the person already been on the drug?
• When will the treatment be reviewed?
• What monitoring procedures are in place?
• Who has been involved in the decision to prescribe these drugs?
• Can we have a meeting to talk about whether this is the right treatment?
  

Resources and Support

We recommend you discuss treatment with the person's doctor and care home staff (if appropriate). For support and more general advice you can also call the Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline on 0845 300 0336