Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a new framework for holistic understanding and non-pharmacological management

SUMMARY The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) informs us that the first-line treatments behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are non-pharmacological. Although psychotropics used to be main strategy in management behaviours challenge, there has been an increase use biopsychosocial formulations since 2010, now over a dozen choose from. However, many overly focused on obtaining information about agitation, less specific providing details actions required manage behaviours. NICE guidelines too fail provide guidance which non-pharmacological approaches use. This article argues giving equal weight both collection meaningful development ‘informed actions’, because it is lead change. outlines programme framework assessment, formulation treatment agitation dementia. work draws theory, evidence-based practice practice-based evidence model with sufficient structure flexibility useful clinicians across range settings professional groups.