Treatment in Nursing Home versus Hospital for Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Introduction: This article is concerned with the optimal treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms present in patients with dementia. This pilot study compares the benefits of an ambulant treatment intervention in nursing homes to hospital admission . Material and Methods: Patients referred for hospital admission were randomized to either hospital admission or ambulant treatment intervention in their nursing home. Registration of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) together with the care- giver's distress were assessed at T1, T2, and T3 using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Results: Both treatment groups showed a statistically significant reduction in BPSD, and there was no significant difference between the groups in total score of NPI. NPI-reported carer distress was reduced in both groups, and this was statistically significant for the intervention group.