These behaviors have normally been treated with antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs and mood management drugs. However, LBD's symptom of drug sensitivity drives care partners and Lewy-savvy physicians to look for other methods of treatment. Now experts are advocating that you try "non-drug options" first with all, BPSD no matter the kind of dementia involved.[i]
When care partners think of these behaviors as indicators of unmet needs, or "stress-related communication," they can look for its underlying cause and remedy it, instead treating the behavior itself. This often leads directly to the use of the non-drug options, such as the more responsive communication or Responsive Care Partnering.
Find here a good article on BPSD.
References:
[i] Cane, M. (2015) Elderly at risk when antipsychotic drugs used to treat dementia. The Columbus Dispatch • Monday November 2, 2015.
