Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Biography

Biography: Atul Sunny Luthra

Abstract

Objectives: There is vastheterogeneityin use of terminology and classification of behaviors in dementia with no universallyaccepted classification system. Methods: Criteria proposed by Davis, Buckwalter and Burgio(1997) were identified as the basis for classification ofbehaviors in dementia. A review of literature was done with a view to Identify the “Specification of the Theoretical Construct” (STC) to justify aggregation of similar Behavioral symptoms into clinically meaningful categories. Results: STC identified for these behavioral categories are theories on compliance and aggression. Behavioral categories emanating from this construct are; Oppositional Behaviors (OB) and Physically Aggressive Behaviors (PAB). Discussion: OB is the result of non-compliance to the directions being given bythe care provider. Thetypes of OBaredetermined bythe level of developmental sophistication or converselybythe degreeof cognitive impairment in patients with dementia. PABarethe result ofperceived impediment bythe patient in goal attainment. This results in the emergenceof negative emotions. These emotions are ‘out of proportion’ to the stimulus. The purpose of this behaviour is to warn the care provider of the noxious nature of their involvement in the present situation.