Question

A 70-year-old woman with Alzheimer's dementia in a long-term care facility develops new agitation and aggression in the evenings. There is no evidence of pain, delirium, infection or medication side effects after assessment. According to Canadian guidelines on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), what is the most appropriate first-line management?

Accepted Answer

Implement non-pharmacologic interventions such as environmental modification, structured routines and caregiver strategies

Answer

Start a typical antipsychotic at a high dose

Answer

Immediately start a benzodiazepine to calm her

Answer

Physically restrain her during evening hours

Answer

Transfer her to an acute psychiatric unit without attempting interventions in the facility

Practice question