Drugs used to relieve behavioural symptoms

People with dementia may at some point in their illness develop symptoms such as depression, restlessness, aggressive behaviour, delusions and hallucinations. While it is important to try to understand and address the underlying reasons for these problems, it may be necessary to prescribe medication if the symptoms are distressing, persistent and have not responded to non-drug treatments.

For more information on the different types of drugs that may be prescribed see Factsheet 408, Dementia: drugs used to relieve behavioural symptoms.