Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorders

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), or behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), affect most individuals with major or mild neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), formerly termed dementia or mild cognitive impairment, respectively, at some point during the course of the illness. The near universal prevalence of NPS in NCDs has prompted the recent inclusion of noncognitive symptoms in the core diagnostic criteria of NCDs. They are associated with a reduced quality of life and increased institutionalization, with adverse effects on both the patient and the formal and informal caregivers. Despite the prevalence of NPS, there are very few licensed medications that are proven effective and safe, partly based on the limited understanding of the underlying neurobiology of NPS. This chapter will provide a concise and up-to-date overview of noncognitive symptoms of NCDs including the nature, prevalence, assessment, and management of these behaviors.