Improvement of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) by Comprehensive Standardized Care Methodology

Introduction: Dementia is a progressive, incurable illness, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can cause tremendous distress for both and patient and caregiver, especially increase the burden of care. Case Description: A French origin comprehensive standardized care methodology, Humanitude®, focuses on verbal and non-verbal communications with 4 prerequisite techniques; gaze, speech, touch and support to upright position. All the care is to be applied in the concrete sequence contains 5 steps with these techniques. This methodology was implemented to 2 advanced Alzheimer’s disease patients in a long-term care facility. BPSD of both patients were evaluated by the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD). Before implementation of the methodology, BEHAVE-AD of both patients was 9. After the intensive training of the methodology to the nursing staff, BPSD was evaluated in the month 1 and the month 3. The BEHAVE-AD of the first patient was from 9 to 2 in the month 1 and 2 in the month 2; the second patient was from 9 to 0 and 1, respectively. Conclusion: The comprehensive standardized 4 dimensional care methodology improved BPSD for advanced Alzheimer’s disease patients.