Up to 90% of people living with dementia may experience behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The occurrence of BPSD can be debilitating, distressing and impair quality of life, not only for the person living with dementia but also for their caregivers.
Dementia Support Australia conducted a 2-year retrospective pre-post study to evaluate the Clinical Impact of National Dementia Behaviour Support Programs on Neuropsychiatric Outcomes in Australia. It aims to describe and evaluate services and neuropsychiatric outcomes associated with the provision of psychosocial person-centred care interventions delivered by national multidisciplinary dementia-specific behaviour support programs.
With the support of the Department of Health and Aged Care, Dementia Support Australia has launched the GP Advice Service offering direct email access to psychogeriatricians and geriatricians when treating a patient with Behaviours and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).