Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
Dublin Core
Title
Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review
Subject
Dementia, Systematic review, Agitation
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.
Keywords Dementia, Systematic review, Agitation
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.
Keywords Dementia, Systematic review, Agitation
Creator
Misha Choudry1
, Murdoc Gould2
and Latha Ganti3,4*
, Murdoc Gould2
and Latha Ganti3,4*
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00902-7
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Misha Choudry1
, Murdoc Gould2
and Latha Ganti3,4*, “Treatment of agitation in dementia - a systematic review,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12808.