A comparative study of behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with vascular and Alzheimer dementia

Background Dementia is a common, disabling disorder of the elderly. With the steady growth in the older population, the rate of dementia is expected to increase two fold by 2030 and three fold by 2050. Dementia of Alzheimer Type (DAT) and vascular dementia (VD) are among the most common types of dementia. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are associated with increased patient morbidity and carer burden. Aims The objective of this study was to compare symptoms of BPSD in patients with DAT and VD and to explore the correlates of BPSD in patients with DAT and VD. Methods Persons aged over 60 years, attending an outpatient clinic tertiary care centre in Northern India, who met diagnostic criteria for either DAT or VD, were included in the study. Outcomes of interest include socio-demographic details, level of cognitive functioning and the nature and severity of BPSD. Results A total of 64 patients were included in the study, of whom 43 had DAT and 21 suffered from VD. Disturbance of activity levels was the most commonly seen feature of BPSD in both patients with DAT and VAD. There was no significant difference in the levels BPSD or of cognitive functioning between the two groups. Conclusions BPSD is a common feature in patients with dementia. Increased clinician awareness and management of this problem is required to improve patient care and reduce carer burden.