Time for change: The role of nonpharmacological interventions in treating behavior problems in nursing home residents with dementia

This paper discusses the etiology of behavior problems in dementia and concludes that a substantial portion of such behaviors arise when care does not appropriately address the underlying causes. The needs of persons with dementia are frequently unrecognized and not addressed because of a combination of factors including communication problems, the multidimensional nature of etiologies and needs, the discounting of the needs of the patient with dementia, an environment that lacks knowledge and resources, and the improper allocation of resources on the part of policy makers, clinicians, and caregivers. The paper delineates some of the steps that are needed to move toward a more appropriate treatment of persons with dementia who manifest behavior problems.