Research Article Open Access Double-Blind Peer Review

MEDICATION INTERVENTIONS FOR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS IN DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Fatima Hauwa Bello
Published 09 March 2026
Vol. 14, No. 2 (2026)
pp. 17-42
CC BY 4.0
  1. 1
    Fatima Hauwa Bello
    Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
    NG

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, affecting an estimated 55 million people globally, with prevalence projected to rise substantially by 2050. Beyond cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) pose significant challenges in clinical management, with aggression being among the most distressing manifestations. Aggressive behaviors—including verbal outbursts, physical attacks, resistance to care, and socially inappropriate actions—affect 20–30% of individuals with dementia, exacerbating caregiver burden, accelerating functional decline, increasing the likelihood of institutionalization, and inflating healthcare costs. The development of aggression in dementia is multifactorial, arising from neuropathological changes, unmet physical or emotional needs, environmental stressors, and communication barriers. Effective management strategies are essential to mitigate these impacts, with pharmacological interventions playing a central role in controlling aggressive behaviors and improving patient and caregiver outcomes. This review examines current drug-based approaches for aggression in dementia, highlighting evidence-based practices, safety considerations, and clinical challenges

JournalColumbia Journal of Medical Research and Practice
ISSN3065-0631
Volume / IssueVol. 14, No. 2 (2026)
Pages17-42
Published09 March 2026
DOI10.5281/zenodo.19660966
Access Open Access
LicenseCC BY 4.0 — reuse with attribution
PublisherKeith Publications
Bello, F. (2026). MEDICATION INTERVENTIONS FOR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS IN DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS. Columbia Journal of Medical Research and Practice, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 17-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19660966

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