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. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted over a period from January 2019 to Decemder 2019 at Department of Psychiatry, R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. Total 90 patients were included in this study. An interviewer administered questionnaire, Mini mental state examination and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were used. Result: In our study, 43.3% patients were Females. Mean age was 63.2+/- 6.4 yrs. As per MMSE score, severity of dementia was mild, moderate and severe in 26.7%, 53.3% and 20% patients respectively. Common BPSD were delusion (51.1%), agitations (51.1%), hallucination (41.1%) and depression (35.5%) etc. Hallucinations, disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour were significantly more prevalent with increase severity of dementia. Depression, anxiety symptoms were mostly seen in mild dementia. Conclusion: Majority of individuals experienced BPSD. Depending on the level of cognitive impairment seen, there was a statistically significant prevalence in certain symptom groups.

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