Evidence-Based Treatment and Monitoring Strategies for Dementia-Related Psychosis

Evidence-Based Treatment and Monitoring Strategies for Dementia-Related Psychosis is organized by CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. (PPP).

Activity opens: 04/15/2021
Activity expires: 04/30/2023

Description:
Antipsychotics can be used in the short term to manage dementia-related psychosis, but serious adverse effects can outweigh the benefits. Novel antipsychotics or other agents may offer superior efficacy and safety. Explore the evidence in this CME activity.

Statement of Need and Purpose:
Hallucinations and delusions are key behaviors contributing to behavioral crises in patients with dementia, and a lack of consistency in the assessment of behaviors has been found. Clinicians may lack awareness of the incidence of psychotic symptoms in different forms of dementia, as dementia pathology has been incorrectly diagnosed on the basis of the presence or absence of psychosis. Some patients may not be able to describe their psychotic symptoms, requiring caregiver input to aid clinicians in recognition. Rating scales can be implemented to aid identification. Clinicians need education about assessing patients with dementia for hallucinations and delusions and about the incidence of psychotic symptoms in different forms of dementia. In addition, many patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) receive antipsychotics and are on treatment for over a year, although guidelines recommend tapering after 4 months. Clinicians need the education to implement guideline-concordant care that is tailored to the individual patient, incorporating current information on the risks and benefits of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for DRP. This activity was designed to meet the needs of participants in CME activities provided by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., who have requested information on DRP.

Learning Objectives:
• Initiate evidence-based therapies to manage psychosis in patients with dementia as soon as symptoms are identified
• Monitor treatment of psychosis in patients with dementia