Psychiatric aspects of dementia

Abstract As the population of the United States ages, the prevalence of dementing illnesses is also increasing. Many patients with dementing illnesses have associated psychiatric symptoms that are first recognized in the primary care environment. Having a high index of suspicion for psychiatric illness should lead to earlier detection and treatment of these symptoms, resulting in a better outcome for the patient. Management should include both nonpharmaceutical and, in many cases, pharmaceutical strategies. Older, cognitively impaired patients tend to be more sensitive to adverse effects of psychotropic medications, and drug regimens should be adjusted appropriately.