Expert Consultations: Real-World Answers

Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia – Interview

Published on April 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: April 1, 2026

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Radwa Hanafy

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Interview Highlights

A key tenet in the psychopharmacologic management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia is to start low and go slow, both when initiating and tapering off psychotropic medications.
ECT may be an option for patients with comorbid depression and mild cognitive decline. Unilateral electrode placement should be tried to minimize side effects, such as memory loss.

Text Version

This edition of Psychopharmacology Institute’s Expert Consultations features Lauren Gerlach, M.D., who is a geriatric psychiatrist and an assistant professor of psychiatry in the Department of Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this interview, we will discuss management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Radwa Hanafy, M.D.: Dr. Gerlach, this Expert Consultation is aimed at

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Learning Objectives:

Identify clinical strategies for the evaluation and management of patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Summarize treatment options for various presentations of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and select the most appropriate option depending on patient preference and clinical profile.

Original Release Date: April 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: April 1, 2026

Expert: Lauren Gerlach, M.D.

Medical Editors: Radwa Hanafy, M.D., Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Answer the quiz for promoting retention of knowledge.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Lauren B. Gerlach, D.O., M.S.