Management of behavioral symptoms in dementia in a specialized unit care

The project "Plan Alzheimer 2008-2012" allowed the development of units specialized in management of behavioral disorders in dementia, by favoring pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Objectives: Our article analyses the evolution of behavioral symptoms, autonomy and prescription of psychotropic drugs, in "Cognitive and Behavioral Unit" of Toulouse (France). Second outcome is the analysis of early unplanned readmission for behavioral reasons. Results: 199 patients are included over 2 years of study. Behavioral symptoms are significantly improved during the follow-up with a persistent effect after discharge. The global autonomy, particular for walking, is not altered. The prescriptions of psychotropics, among others antipsychotics, is significantly lower at discharge. Early unplanned readmissions at hospital, in spite of cognitive disorders of our patients, are not more important than in global geriatric population. Conclusion: We show the efficiency of global care in behavioral disruptive symptoms in dementia, favoring non pharmacological approaches, in specialized units. Those cognitive and behavioral units have a role for care of demented patients with behavioral disruptive symptoms.