Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review

Abstract Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affects millions worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. Agitation, a common symptom, poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers. This systematic review evaluates pharmacological and non-p...

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Main Authors: Misha Choudry, Murdoc Gould, Latha Ganti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:International Journal of Emergency Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7
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author Misha Choudry
Murdoc Gould
Latha Ganti
author_facet Misha Choudry
Murdoc Gould
Latha Ganti
author_sort Misha Choudry
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affects millions worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. Agitation, a common symptom, poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers. This systematic review evaluates pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation in dementia. Nine clinical studies were analyzed, encompassing medications like brexpiprazole and non-pharmacological approaches such as music therapy and digital care programs. Pharmacological treatments showed mixed efficacy and safety profiles, with brexpiprazole demonstrating dose-dependent benefits and mirtazapine associating with higher mortality rates. Non-pharmacological interventions exhibited promising results in reducing agitation without adverse effects. The review underscores the importance of personalized care strategies tailored to individual patient needs and preferences to enhance treatment efficacy and quality of life, highlighting the shift toward holistic, individualized care.
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spelling doaj-art-5ac6163de9d9473bbd306ee9223a4ffe2025-08-20T02:39:03ZengBMCInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine1865-13802025-05-011811710.1186/s12245-025-00902-7Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic reviewMisha Choudry0Murdoc Gould1Latha Ganti2Trinity Preparatory SchoolBirkbeck, University of LondonOrlando College of Osteopathic MedicineAbstract Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affects millions worldwide, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances. Agitation, a common symptom, poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers. This systematic review evaluates pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation in dementia. Nine clinical studies were analyzed, encompassing medications like brexpiprazole and non-pharmacological approaches such as music therapy and digital care programs. Pharmacological treatments showed mixed efficacy and safety profiles, with brexpiprazole demonstrating dose-dependent benefits and mirtazapine associating with higher mortality rates. Non-pharmacological interventions exhibited promising results in reducing agitation without adverse effects. The review underscores the importance of personalized care strategies tailored to individual patient needs and preferences to enhance treatment efficacy and quality of life, highlighting the shift toward holistic, individualized care.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7DementiaSystematic reviewAgitation
spellingShingle Misha Choudry
Murdoc Gould
Latha Ganti
Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
International Journal of Emergency Medicine
Dementia
Systematic review
Agitation
title Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
title_full Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
title_fullStr Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
title_short Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
title_sort treatment of agitation in dementia a systematic review
topic Dementia
Systematic review
Agitation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7
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AT murdocgould treatmentofagitationindementiaasystematicreview
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