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Questions and Answers
An 80-year-old patient with mild to moderate chronic pain is being assessed. Considering the risks and benefits, what is the MOST appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?
An 80-year-old patient with mild to moderate chronic pain is being assessed. Considering the risks and benefits, what is the MOST appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?
A 75-year-old patient presents with localized knee pain. Which of the following topical therapies would be MOST appropriate as a first-line treatment?
A 75-year-old patient presents with localized knee pain. Which of the following topical therapies would be MOST appropriate as a first-line treatment?
What pharmacological approach should be generally avoided in elderly patients due to potential adverse effects?
What pharmacological approach should be generally avoided in elderly patients due to potential adverse effects?
A 70-year-old patient with dementia exhibits behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Non-pharmacological interventions have been tried without success. According to current guidelines, what should be the next step?
A 70-year-old patient with dementia exhibits behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Non-pharmacological interventions have been tried without success. According to current guidelines, what should be the next step?
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Which of the following antipsychotics has demonstrated the LEAST difference from placebo in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials for treating agitation and aggression?
Which of the following antipsychotics has demonstrated the LEAST difference from placebo in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials for treating agitation and aggression?
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According to the FDA, elderly patients with dementia treated with antipsychotics for BPSD have an increased risk for death primarily due to what factors?
According to the FDA, elderly patients with dementia treated with antipsychotics for BPSD have an increased risk for death primarily due to what factors?
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What is the recommended starting dose of risperidone for an elderly patient with BPSD?
What is the recommended starting dose of risperidone for an elderly patient with BPSD?
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A clinician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for an elderly patient with BPSD. What is the recommended frequency for adjusting the dosage after the initiation of the medication?
A clinician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for an elderly patient with BPSD. What is the recommended frequency for adjusting the dosage after the initiation of the medication?
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In managing a patient exhibiting behaviors that pose a danger to themselves or others while awaiting transfer, which initial steps are MOST appropriate?
In managing a patient exhibiting behaviors that pose a danger to themselves or others while awaiting transfer, which initial steps are MOST appropriate?
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Before implementing any specific interventions for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), what is the MOST critical initial step?
Before implementing any specific interventions for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), what is the MOST critical initial step?
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Why do geriatrics experts advocate for non-pharmacological interventions when managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?
Why do geriatrics experts advocate for non-pharmacological interventions when managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?
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A caregiver consistently struggles with a patient's agitation during bathing. Which intervention is MOST likely to reduce agitation, bathing time, and antipsychotic use, based on research findings?
A caregiver consistently struggles with a patient's agitation during bathing. Which intervention is MOST likely to reduce agitation, bathing time, and antipsychotic use, based on research findings?
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What is the primary focus of caregiver training in managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?
What is the primary focus of caregiver training in managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)?
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Which healthcare professional is MOST likely to initially observe and report changes in a patient's behavior that may indicate BPSD in a long-term care facility?
Which healthcare professional is MOST likely to initially observe and report changes in a patient's behavior that may indicate BPSD in a long-term care facility?
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A facility is developing a BPSD management program. Besides caregiver training, which non-pharmacological intervention has shown benefit in reducing overall BPSD according to meta-analysis data?
A facility is developing a BPSD management program. Besides caregiver training, which non-pharmacological intervention has shown benefit in reducing overall BPSD according to meta-analysis data?
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Which intervention aligns with the role of a clinical psychologist in managing BPSD?
Which intervention aligns with the role of a clinical psychologist in managing BPSD?
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A patient with dementia frequently exhibits agitation and disruptive behavior in the late afternoon. After ensuring all physical needs are met, which non-pharmacological intervention might be MOST beneficial to implement FIRST?
A patient with dementia frequently exhibits agitation and disruptive behavior in the late afternoon. After ensuring all physical needs are met, which non-pharmacological intervention might be MOST beneficial to implement FIRST?
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What is a key aspect for creating a therapeutic environment as part of caregiver training?
What is a key aspect for creating a therapeutic environment as part of caregiver training?
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How can pharmacists contribute to the management of BPSD within an interprofessional team?
How can pharmacists contribute to the management of BPSD within an interprofessional team?
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What is the PRIMARY purpose of maintaining a detailed log in in-home settings for patients with BPSD?
What is the PRIMARY purpose of maintaining a detailed log in in-home settings for patients with BPSD?
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An occupational therapist is evaluating a patient with BPSD at home. Which of the following actions would be MOST aligned with the therapist's role?
An occupational therapist is evaluating a patient with BPSD at home. Which of the following actions would be MOST aligned with the therapist's role?
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In institutional settings, what is a significant concern regarding routine bacteriuria testing?
In institutional settings, what is a significant concern regarding routine bacteriuria testing?
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According to the revised McGeer criteria, which symptoms should prompt a diagnostic evaluation and empiric therapy for possible urinary tract infections?
According to the revised McGeer criteria, which symptoms should prompt a diagnostic evaluation and empiric therapy for possible urinary tract infections?
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When assessing a patient with BPSD, what is the first priority?
When assessing a patient with BPSD, what is the first priority?
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Why is identifying delirium a priority in patients presenting with behavioral disturbances?
Why is identifying delirium a priority in patients presenting with behavioral disturbances?
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When gathering information about a patient's symptoms, why is it important to ask caregivers to describe specific observations rather than using general terms?
When gathering information about a patient's symptoms, why is it important to ask caregivers to describe specific observations rather than using general terms?
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What temporal factors should be considered when characterizing symptoms of BPSD?
What temporal factors should be considered when characterizing symptoms of BPSD?
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Why is it important to review a patient's medications when assessing BPSD, even if the medications don't seem obviously related?
Why is it important to review a patient's medications when assessing BPSD, even if the medications don't seem obviously related?
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Which of the following situations would warrant more intensive management, potentially including hospitalization, for a patient with BPSD?
Which of the following situations would warrant more intensive management, potentially including hospitalization, for a patient with BPSD?
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Why are Citalopram and Sertraline often favored over Paroxetine or Fluoxetine in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)?
Why are Citalopram and Sertraline often favored over Paroxetine or Fluoxetine in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)?
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In the context of treating apathy in elderly patients with dementia, what does the provided content suggest about the effectiveness of different medications?
In the context of treating apathy in elderly patients with dementia, what does the provided content suggest about the effectiveness of different medications?
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According to the information, what is a recommended strategy for initiating methylphenidate treatment for BPSD?
According to the information, what is a recommended strategy for initiating methylphenidate treatment for BPSD?
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What is the recommended minimum trial period at the maximum recommended dose before concluding that a medication is ineffective for BPSD?
What is the recommended minimum trial period at the maximum recommended dose before concluding that a medication is ineffective for BPSD?
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Why is caregiver education and support crucial when implementing pharmacotherapy for BPSD?
Why is caregiver education and support crucial when implementing pharmacotherapy for BPSD?
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What was a notable exclusion criteria in the ADMET trial of Methylphenidate, according to the content?
What was a notable exclusion criteria in the ADMET trial of Methylphenidate, according to the content?
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What should be established prior to initiating pharmacotherapy for BPSD, except in urgent safety situations?
What should be established prior to initiating pharmacotherapy for BPSD, except in urgent safety situations?
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In elderly patients without dementia, the content mentions a study involving Citalopram and Methylphenidate. What was a key finding of this study?
In elderly patients without dementia, the content mentions a study involving Citalopram and Methylphenidate. What was a key finding of this study?
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Why is it important for clinicians to periodically attempt to taper and discontinue antipsychotic medications in patients?
Why is it important for clinicians to periodically attempt to taper and discontinue antipsychotic medications in patients?
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Which of the following antipsychotics requires special monitoring and reporting when prescribed?
Which of the following antipsychotics requires special monitoring and reporting when prescribed?
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What is a key consideration when using SSRIs to treat mild to moderate BPSD, based on the geropsychiatry maxim?
What is a key consideration when using SSRIs to treat mild to moderate BPSD, based on the geropsychiatry maxim?
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A physician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for a geriatric patient with dementia. Given the information, what is the MOST critical factor they should consider?
A physician is considering prescribing an antipsychotic for a geriatric patient with dementia. Given the information, what is the MOST critical factor they should consider?
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According to the information, which of the following statements is TRUE regarding antipsychotic discontinuation in patients on long-term antipsychotics?
According to the information, which of the following statements is TRUE regarding antipsychotic discontinuation in patients on long-term antipsychotics?
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What is the starting and target dose of pimavanserin?
What is the starting and target dose of pimavanserin?
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What adverse effect was observed in a multicenter randomized controlled trial of Citalopram 30 mg daily versus placebo?
What adverse effect was observed in a multicenter randomized controlled trial of Citalopram 30 mg daily versus placebo?
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A patient with Lewy body dementia is exhibiting psychosis. Considering the recommendations, which of the following medications would be MOST appropriate to consider first?
A patient with Lewy body dementia is exhibiting psychosis. Considering the recommendations, which of the following medications would be MOST appropriate to consider first?
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Flashcards
Bacteriuria prevalence
Bacteriuria prevalence
Bacteriuria occurs in up to 50% of institutionalized patients.
McGeer criteria
McGeer criteria
Revised criteria for diagnosing UTIs focus on specific symptoms rather than cultures alone.
UTI symptoms
UTI symptoms
Fever, dysuria, suprapubic pain, increased urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence are key signs.
Delirium definition
Delirium definition
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Intensive management
Intensive management
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Characterizing symptoms
Characterizing symptoms
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Medication review
Medication review
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Environmental changes impact
Environmental changes impact
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BPSD management
BPSD management
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Acetaminophen use in elderly
Acetaminophen use in elderly
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Risk-benefit discussion
Risk-benefit discussion
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Topical pain therapies
Topical pain therapies
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Non-pharmacological interventions
Non-pharmacological interventions
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Neuropathic pain medications
Neuropathic pain medications
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Risks of opioids vs Tramadol
Risks of opioids vs Tramadol
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Caregiver training
Caregiver training
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Bathing without a Battle
Bathing without a Battle
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Antipsychotics for agitation
Antipsychotics for agitation
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FDA warning on antipsychotics
FDA warning on antipsychotics
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Music therapy for BPSD
Music therapy for BPSD
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Massage therapy for depression
Massage therapy for depression
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Antipsychotic dosing guidelines
Antipsychotic dosing guidelines
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
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Incremental dose adjustment
Incremental dose adjustment
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Antipsychotics in Lewy Body Dementia
Antipsychotics in Lewy Body Dementia
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Pimavanserin Approval
Pimavanserin Approval
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Clozapine Monitoring
Clozapine Monitoring
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Antipsychotic Discontinuation Success
Antipsychotic Discontinuation Success
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SSRI for BPSD
SSRI for BPSD
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Citalopram and Dosing
Citalopram and Dosing
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Start Low, Go Slow
Start Low, Go Slow
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QT Interval Risk
QT Interval Risk
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Interprofessional healthcare team
Interprofessional healthcare team
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Role of nurses in BPSD
Role of nurses in BPSD
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Role of social workers
Role of social workers
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Communication in healthcare teams
Communication in healthcare teams
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SSRI Effectiveness
SSRI Effectiveness
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Citalopram & Methylphenidate
Citalopram & Methylphenidate
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Citalopram Dosing
Citalopram Dosing
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Drug-Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
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Methylphenidate Use
Methylphenidate Use
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ADMET Trial Findings
ADMET Trial Findings
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Pharmacotherapy Approach
Pharmacotherapy Approach
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Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
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Study Notes
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD)
- Dementia is a colloquial term for major neurocognitive disorder (MND) as defined by DSM-5. It's characterized by cognitive decline and decreased daily functioning.
- BPSD are neuropsychiatric symptoms that accompany dementia. They include a range of disturbances like delusions, hallucinations, apathy, anxiety, depression, or disinhibition.
- BPSD significantly impact dementia prognosis and management.
- BPSD involve emotional, perceptual, and behavioral disturbances related to psychiatric disorders.
- Cognitive/perceptual: delusions, hallucinations
- Motor: pacing, wandering, repetitive movements, physical aggression
- Verbal: yelling, calling out, repetitive speech, verbal aggression
- Emotional: euphoria, depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability
- Vegetative: disturbances in sleep, appetite
- Etiology is complex; a biopsychosocial model explains BPSD as interactions between biology, prior experiences, and the environment.
- Brain volume reductions and decreased metabolism in prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, insula, and temporal lobes influence BPSD (emotional regulation, self-awareness, perception)
- Dysregulation in cholinergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission is related to BPSD
- Contributing factors include pre-morbid neuroticism, prior PTSD, caregiver communication, and environmental factors (sensory overload/under stimulation, extremes of temperature, loud noises).
- Many possible etiologies cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
- Sundowning (evening behavioral disturbances) affects up to two-thirds of people with dementia.
Epidemiology
- Worldwide prevalence of dementia in 2016 was ~43.8 million, representing a significant increase from 1990.
- A significant proportion (up to 97%) of community-dwelling individuals with dementia develop BPSD at some point, commonly depression or apathy.
- Symptom severity increases with time and correlates with institutionalization.
- Symptom presentation varies based on dementia type (e.g., delusions in Alzheimer's disease, disinhibition/eating disturbances in frontotemporal dementia)
History and Physical Examination
- Crucial to establish symptom priorities, characterize symptoms, and identify reversible exacerbating factors.
- Assess the environment, medications, discomfort, substance use, and pre-existing psychiatric disorders.
- Confirm historical information (consider 'sundowning') and identify alternative/contributing medical/psychiatric conditions.
- Physical examination to identify factors like delirium, discomfort.
- Focus on altered levels of consciousness, pain, fever, hypoxia, or localizing neurological deficits.
Evaluation
- Basic lab work (CBC, electrolytes, liver/kidney function, urinalysis, thyroid function tests, toxicology screen, head CT) for acute/subacute onset.
- UTI is a frequent concern but prevalence is often high in institutions and overdiagnosis is possible.
- Diagnostic testing should focus on the acute/subacute cases, and include other basic lab and imaging tests (if indicated by the examination).
- Prioritize patient and caregiver safety—hospitalization may be needed for those who endanger themselves or others.
Management
- Choose appropriate setting (hospital for delirium, geropsychiatric unit/observation for safety concerns)
- Treat discomfort (pain, constipation, urinary retention)
- Non-pharmacological interventions (caregiver training, multisensory stimulation, aromatherapy) are often needed first
- Pharmacological interventions (especially antipsychotics) are often considered for severe cases of agitation, aggression, or psychosis, however, must be monitored closely for side effects, and their use requires careful consideration and consideration of other interventions.
- Consider empiric pain treatment for individuals with dementia-related agitation, starting with acetaminophen
- Antipsychotics are often the main treatment, but benefit is limited and side effects are significant.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are often more successful for long-term management.
Differential Diagnoses for BPSD
- Delirium
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- CNS neoplasms
Prognosis
- Dementia is associated with reduced life expectancy.
- BPSD correlate to a more rapid progression of dementia and earlier mortality.
- BPSD contribute substantially to the overall impact of dementia on patients, caregivers, and society.
Healthcare Team
- Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for BPSD management. Nurses play a key role in recognizing and managing symptoms, as do social workers, physical therapists, and physicians.
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Description
Questions covering safe and effective pharmacological interventions for elderly patients. Includes pain management, topical treatments, and considerations for dementia and BPSD. Focuses on appropriate drug choices and avoiding adverse effects.