• Support the individual's capabilities
• Modify the environment to meet the individual's needs
• Continually reassess and revise the treatment plan to correspond with disease progression and the individual and family's needs
• Utilize pharmacologic interventions when and where appropriate
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors may slow the rate of disease progression. There is also emerging information on the potential role of these agents for management of psychosis associated with dementia, a recent review by Cummings ¹ sheds light on the subject
  • Diagnose and treat depression, psychosis, and behavioral symptoms that negatively impact patient's quality of life and functioning
  • Aggressively monitor and address adverse effects of drug therapy
    For more information on management of behavioral disturbances associated with dementia in the elderly, go to GCR's Psychosis in Late Life website.
    
    
• Protect dignity
  • Include the individual in decision making when possible
  • Educate family, patient and caregivers about the disease process
  • Promote "it's the disease, not the individual" thought process
    • Compensate for losses
• Strive to provide meaningful activities and interactions with others throughout the course of the illnes
• Provide for comfort
  • Always consider under-treated or undiagnosed pain in the differential diagnosis of agitation or aggression. Individuals are often unable to communicate discomfort.
  • At the late stages of the illness, consider hospice care, if appropriate

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