Assessment of psychoemotional and behavioral status in patients with dementia

Depression and behavioral symptoms occur in many older adults with dementia and result in serious consequences, including nursing home adimissions, decreased functional ability, mortality, and increased health care costs. Assessment of depression in this population is challenging and is facilitated by using interviewer-rated instruments as an adjunct to clinical judgment. Clinicians should select a perspective that enables them to view behavioral symptoms associated with dementia in a therapeutic manner. Care for depression and behavioral symptoms should be individualized to match presenting symptoms. Issues related to psychoemotional and behavioral assessment are: (1) implementation of effective psychogeriatric models of care and (2) incorporating evidenced-based knowledge into practice settings.