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Mental health issues and Alzheimer's disease

Coconut Creek, Florida; Barry University School of Social Work, Miami, Florida; Florida Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

As the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases, concerns have been voiced regarding how to best maintain and treat those affected. Psychiatric symptoms may be a prominent and influencing factor in decisions regarding the most appropriate level of care. The behavioral manifestations of AD, particularly agitation, may present dilemmas for formal and informal caregivers. The most significant dilemmas surrounding appropriate care for individuals manifesting psychiatric symptoms and negative behaviors may include the safety of caregivers as well as the safety of the diagnosed individual. These dilemmas may be compounded when there is not adequate psychiatric/psychotherapeutic intervention. This paper will seek to examine the psychopathology associated with AD as well as some intensive and restrictive interventions available to formal and informal caregivers when less intensive and less restrictive interventions fail. The intensive and restrictive interventions discussed include institutionalization, physical and chemical restraints, and psychiatric hospitalization.

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