PREVALENCE OF BEHAVIOURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS PRESENTING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: The term "Dementia" refers to a significant cognitive decline from previous level of 
performance which interferes with independence in daily activities. Deficits in cognition function 
significantly hinder social and occupational functioning. “Non- cognitive” neuropsychiatric 
symptoms or the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a major 
contributor for high level of care giver burden and poor quality of life in patients with dementia. It is 
important to understand the occurrence of BPSD with severity of cognitive impairment, as this would 
help caregivers and healthcare professionals to predict likely behavioural and psychological issues. 
Aims: To describe the patterns of BPSD among dementia patients attended to psychiatry department 
at RGKar MCH, Kolkata and its association (if any) with the degree of cognitive impairment.