In 2024, it is estimated that 421,000 Australians live with Dementia. 90 % of people living with dementia will experience Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). BPSD is a common reason for entry into residential care. BPSD represents a heterogenous group of symptoms which can cause distress to the individual and the people around them. BPSD can lead to worsening outcomes including inappropriate psychotropic medication, care-giver stress and loss of accommodation.
Best evidence based practice requires person centred care, with only a small role for psychotropic medication. However, psychotropic medication remains frequent, and identified as a priority area of improvement by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Good BPSD support is resource intensive. Barriers to implementation of person centred care includes staffing ratios and lack of carer education. Psychotropic medication is associated with a range of adverse outcomes including stroke, fracture and death.
This session will provide an overview of evidence based pharmacological and non pharmacological management of BPSD. It will summarise current data provided by Dementia Support Australia around the pattern of BPSD presentations across Australia, and also data from the national Specialised Dementia Care Program.