The Pharmacotherapy of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study in 18 Homes for the Elderly in Berlin

SUMMARY Background: The neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, including aggressiveness, agitation, depres sion, and apathy are often treated with psychotropic drugs and are a frequent reason for hospitalization, placing an economic burden on the health care system. International guidelines recommend syndrome-specific pharmacotherapy. We studied the question whether drug-prescribing practices are, in fact, syndromespecific. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 18 homes for the elderly in Berlin, we used syndrome-specific scales to determine the prevalence of apathy, depression, and aggressiveness and the quantity of psychotropic drugs prescribed, in defined daily dosages (DDD), among 304 demented inhabitants. The diagnosis of dementia was ascertained by chart review and confirmed by administration of a mini mental status test.