Mental-behavioral disorders in Alzheimer's disease

Behavioural and psychological disorders are often observed in Alzheimer's disease. Some are common, such as symptoms of depression, apathy, aggressivity, agitation, psychotic disturbances, disorders of sleep rhythm, etc. Many factors contribute to the aetiology of these disorders, mainly cerebral lesions, environmental changes, somatic illnesses, iatrogenic factors and psychological reaction mechanisms. Management must take each into account. Treatment comprises medication (symptomatic treatment of the various disorders, cholinergic treatment) and other means (adaptation of the inhabitation, informing family and friends, psychotherapy, etc.).