Managing dementia in long-term care settings

The majority of patients in long-term care settings (nursing homes) have a diagnosis of dementia. Symptoms such as psychosis, depression, and agitation including aggressiveness, can be overwhelming to patients, families and staff alike. These difficult symptoms may lead to overmedication with limited benefit and potential side effects. Improved management of patients suffering from dementia can lead to marked improvements for patients, families, and staff, leading to greater optimism and quality of life. This article reviews the management of dementia patients in the long-term care setting, with a focus on correctly diagnosing the reasons for behavioral problems and appropriate treatment strategies.