[Supporting psychobehavioral disorders at home and in institutions: a systemic approach]. / Accompagner les troubles psycho-comportementaux à domicile et en institution : une approche systémique.

Caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders is a complex process, that of a chronic illness. Psychological and behavioral symptoms associated to dementia can appear in all neuro-degenerative diseases to varying degrees, and depend on numerous factors that need to be understood in order to take appropriate action. We propose a systemic approach to psychological and behavioral symptoms, with a view to preventing their onset or reducing their severity.

Lived experiences of chronic cognitive and mood symptoms among community-dwelling adults following stroke: a mixed-methods analysis.

Objectives: Few studies have explored the lived experiences of chronic cognitive and mood symptoms following stroke using a racially/ethnically diverse sample. Therefore, we aimed to explore the perceptions of chronic post-stroke cognition and mood symptoms and goals among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of community-dwelling adults aging with stroke. Method: This qualitative study using mixed-methods analysis included semi-structured interviews regarding perceived post-stroke cognitive and mood symptoms among community-dwelling stroke survivors at least one-year post stroke. Transcripts were subjected to thematic content analysis, and differences in theme usage patterns by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and post-acute rehabilitation setting were assessed using an inferential clustering technique. Results: The majority of participants (93%) reported cognition-related themes, including language and communication, memory, thinking abilities, comprehension, visual-spatial processing, and cognitive assessments and training. Nearly half of participants mentioned mood-related themes, including depression, aggression and anger, mood fluctuations, anxiety, and psychological services and medication. Nearly half reported an unmet need for cognition or mood-related treatment. Inferential clustering analysis revealed that older participants reported a different pattern of cognitive and mood symptoms than those aged younger than 65 (p = 0.02). Older adults were more likely to describe post-stroke language/communication changes, while younger adults described post-stroke mood changes. Conclusion: Stroke survivors experienced cognitive and mood-related symptoms beyond one-year post stroke, which has implications for long-term assessment and management. Incorporation of continued symptom monitoring into existing community-based services is needed to address chronic cognitive and mood symptoms affecting the quality of life of persons with stroke.

Malestar psicológico en cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Psychological uneasiness in principal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

RESUMEN Introducción: En el transcurso de la vida todos somos cuidadores de algún modo. Sin embargo, aprender a serlo no surge de forma automática. Con el gradual envejecimiento de la población aumenta el número de casos que necesitan cuidados. La enfermedad de Alzheimer produce la pérdida gradual de la capacidad de cuidar de sí mismo y por ende se necesita la ayuda de un cuidador familiar, quien asume las principales tareas de cuidado y contrae una gran carga física y psíquica. Objetivo: Caracterizar el malestar psicológico que experimentan los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo en 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del policlínico "Carlos Manuel Portuondo", municipio Marianao. La información fue recogida con el Inventario Neuropsiquiátrico validado al castellano, se procesó con distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje. Resultados: En la categoría de mínimo, predominaron la agitación o agresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (22,85 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (25,71 por ciento). En la categoría ligero, prevalecieron la depresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (25,71 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (22,85 por ciento). En la categoría de moderado, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron las repeticiones (25,71 por ciento), la depresión y la ansiedad, ambos con un 22,85 por ciento, la apatía y la irritabilidad, con un 20,00 por ciento. En la categoría de severo, el SPC más frecuente fue las repeticiones (20,00 por ciento). Conclusiones: En los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado predominó el malestar mínimo, ligero y moderado, presentaron mayor malestar ante la presencia de agitación o agresión, alteraciones del sueño, trastornos de hábitos alimentarios, depresión, repeticiones, ansiedad, apatía e irritabilidad(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the course of our lives, we are all caregivers in some way. However, learning how to be one does not come up automatically. With an increase in population aging, the number of cases of people needing care also increases. Alzheimer's disease produces the gradual loss of the capacity to take care of oneself and therefore there is the need for the help of a family caregiver, who assumes the main caring tasks together with great physical and mental burden. Objective: To characterize the psychological distress experienced by the main caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease in the mild and moderate stages. Methods: Descriptive study with 35 main caregivers of patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease of Carlos Manuel Portuondo Polyclinic of Marianao Municipality. The information was collected with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory validated in Spanish, processed with absolute frequency and percentage distributions. Results: In the category minimum, agitation or aggression (20.00 percent), sleep disturbances (22.85 percent) and eating habits disorders (25.71 percent) predominated. In the category light, depression (20.00 percent), sleep disturbances (25.71 percent) and eating habits disorders (22.85 percent) prevailed. In the category moderate, the most frequent symptoms were repetitions (25.71 percent), depression and anxiety, both with 22.85 percent, apathy and irritability, with 20.00 percent. In the category severe, the most frequent SPC was the repetitions (20.00 percent). Conclusions: In the main caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease in the mild and moderate stages, the minimum, slight and moderate discomfort prevailed. They presented greater discomfort in the presence of agitation or aggression, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, depression, repetitions, anxiety, apathy and irritability(AU)

Malestar psicológico en cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Psychological uneasiness in principal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Introducción: en el transcurso de la vida todos somos cuidadores de algún modo. Sin embargo, aprender a serlo no surge de forma automática. Con el gradual envejecimiento de la población aumenta el número de casos que necesitan cuidados. La enfermedad de Alzheimer produce la pérdida gradual de la capacidad de cuidar de sí mismo y por ende se necesita la ayuda de un cuidador familiar, quien asume las principales tareas de cuidado y contrae una gran carga física y psíquica. Objetivo: caracterizar el malestar psicológico que experimentan los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado. Método: estudio descriptivo en 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo, municipio Marianao. La información fue recogida con el Inventario Neuropsiquiátrico validado al castellano, se procesó con distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje. Resultados: en la categoría de mínimo, predominaron la agitación o agresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (22,85 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (25,71 por ciento). En la categoría ligero, prevalecieron la depresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (25,71 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (22,85 por ciento). En la categoría de moderado, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron las repeticiones (25,71 por ciento), la depresión y la ansiedad, ambos con un 22,85 por ciento, la apatía y la irritabilidad, con un 20,00 por ciento. En la categoría de severo, el SPC más frecuente fue las repeticiones (20,00 por ciento). Conclusiones: en los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado predominó el malestar mínimo, ligero y moderado, presentaron mayor malestar ante la presencia de agitación o agresión, alteraciones del sueño, trastornos de hábitos alimentarios, depresión, repeticiones, ansiedad, apatía e irritabilidad(AU)

Introduction: in the course of the life somehow all are caregivers. However, to learn how to be a caregiver doesn't arise in an automatic way. The number of cases that need cares increases with the population's gradual aging. The Alzheimer's disease produces a gradual loss of the capacity of taking care of itself and, with the step of the time the help of a family caregiver, the one that assumes the main tasks of care and it contracts a great load physics and psychic. Objective: to characterize the psychological uneasiness in principal caregivers of patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer's disease. Method: a descriptive study of 35 main patient carer's with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the policlinic Carlos Manuel Portuondo of Marianao municipality. The information was picked up with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory validated to Castilian; it was processing with absolute and percentage frequency distributions. Results: at once of care giving predominated the minimum, slight and moderate uneasiness. The principal caregivers of patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease presented bigger uneasiness in the presence of agitation or aggression, the dream disorder, the eating disorder, depression, repetitions, anxiety, apathy and irritability. Conclusions: in the principal caregivers of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer's disease prevailed the minimum, slight and moderate uneasiness, they presented bigger uneasiness before the presence of agitation or aggression, alterations of the dream, dysfunctions of alimentary habits, depression, repetitions, anxiety, apathy and irritability(AU)

Malestar psicológico en cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Psychological uneasiness in principal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Introducción: en el transcurso de la vida todos somos cuidadores de algún modo. Sin embargo, aprender a serlo no surge de forma automática. Con el gradual envejecimiento de la población aumenta el número de casos que necesitan cuidados. La enfermedad de Alzheimer produce la pérdida gradual de la capacidad de cuidar de sí mismo y por ende se necesita la ayuda de un cuidador familiar, quien asume las principales tareas de cuidado y contrae una gran carga física y psíquica. Objetivo: caracterizar el malestar psicológico que experimentan los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado. Método: estudio descriptivo en 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo, municipio Marianao. La información fue recogida con el Inventario Neuropsiquiátrico validado al castellano, se procesó con distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje. Resultados: en la categoría de mínimo, predominaron la agitación o agresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (22,85 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (25,71 por ciento). En la categoría ligero, prevalecieron la depresión (20,00 por ciento), las alteraciones del sueño (25,71 por ciento) y los trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (22,85 por ciento). En la categoría de moderado, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron las repeticiones (25,71 por ciento), la depresión y la ansiedad, ambos con un 22,85 por ciento, la apatía y la irritabilidad, con un 20,00 por ciento. En la categoría de severo, el SPC más frecuente fue las repeticiones (20,00 por ciento). Conclusiones: en los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en los estadios leve y moderado predominó el malestar mínimo, ligero y moderado, presentaron mayor malestar ante la presencia de agitación o agresión, alteraciones del sueño, trastornos de hábitos alimentarios, depresión, repeticiones, ansiedad, apatía e irritabilidad(AU)

Introduction: in the course of the life somehow all are caregivers. However, to learn how to be a caregiver doesn't arise in an automatic way. The number of cases that need cares increases with the population's gradual aging. The Alzheimer's disease produces a gradual loss of the capacity of taking care of itself and, with the step of the time the help of a family caregiver, the one that assumes the main tasks of care and it contracts a great load physics and psychic. Objective: to characterize the psychological uneasiness in principal caregivers of patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer's disease. Method: a descriptive study of 35 main patient carer's with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the policlinic Carlos Manuel Portuondo of Marianao municipality. The information was picked up with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory validated to Castilian; it was processing with absolute and percentage frequency distributions. Results: at once of care giving predominated the minimum, slight and moderate uneasiness. The principal caregivers of patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease presented bigger uneasiness in the presence of agitation or aggression, the dream disorder, the eating disorder, depression, repetitions, anxiety, apathy and irritability. Conclusions: in the principal caregivers of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer's disease prevailed the minimum, slight and moderate uneasiness, they presented bigger uneasiness before the presence of agitation or aggression, alterations of the dream, dysfunctions of alimentary habits, depression, repetitions, anxiety, apathy and irritability(AU)

Resistiveness to care during assistance with activities of daily living in non-institutionalized persons with dementia: associations with informal caregivers' stress and well-being.

OBJECTIVES: Resistiveness to care (RTC) refers to behavior problems that co-occur during assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). RTC are considered challenging, but are mostly studied in institutions with implications for patients and formal caregivers. RTC is associated with agitation, but agitation is considered a separate construct. Detection of RTC may be left out of common assessments of persons with dementia in studies of informal caregiving (e.g. global assessments of dementia behavioral symptoms, standard assessments of ADL function). This study examines how RTC (frequency and caregivers' stress appraisals of RTC) is related to caregivers' well-being. METHOD: 234 caregivers of people with dementia reported care receivers' ADL impairment (eating, bathing, dressing), RTC frequency (of eating, bathing dressing), and their stress appraisals of these behaviors (RTC appraisals). Caregivers also self-reported their role overload, role captivity, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression models included independent variables (demographics, ADL impairment, RTC frequency, RTC appraisals) with three separate dependent variables (overload, captivity, depressive symptoms). RESULTS: Two-thirds of informal caregivers reported RTC. Care recipients' ADL impairment was associated with caregiver outcomes, but only before RTC was entered into the models. RTC frequency significantly predicted caregivers' overload, captivity, and depression. RTC appraisals predicted overload and captivity. CONCLUSION: RTC is common in persons with dementia residing at home, and RTC has more negative association with informal caregivers' well-being than assistance with ADL. Adding RTC frequency and appraisal items to standard ADL measures may better estimate caregivers' needs and risk, and identify modifiable environmental features by assessing behavioral symptoms in context.

Síntomas psicológicos y conductuales en pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada / Psychological and behavioral symptoms in patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease

Introducción: el proceso de envejecimiento biológico de las personas es irreversible y comienza desde el nacimiento. Cuba es un país con envejecimiento poblacional, enfrenta problemas médicos de los ancianos tales como demencia. La enfermedad de Alzheimer es la más común, enfermedad que evoluciona por estadios, y en la medida en que transita de uno a otro se incrementan los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales, aumentando la demanda de cuidados especiales, desempeñados por los cuidadores principales. Objetivo: identificar los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales de los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada desde la perspectiva del cuidador principal. Métodos: estudio descriptivo en 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo municipio Marianao, desde enero de 2010 hasta septiembre de 2011. La información fue recogida con el Inventario Neuropsiquiátrico validado al castellano, se procesó con distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje. Resultados: las repeticiones (82,85 pro ciento), alteraciones del sueño (77,14 por ciento) y trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (71,42 por ciento) fueron los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales de mayor incidencia en los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada, los menos frecuentes fueron: euforia (17,14 por ciento), alucinaciones, apatía y delusiones en el 40,00 por ciento. Conclusiones: desde la perspectiva del cuidador principal, los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales más frecuentes en los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del Policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo fueron las repeticiones, las alteraciones del sueño y los trastornos de los hábitos alimentarios(AU)

Introduction: the process of people's biological aging is irreversible and it begins from the birth. Cuba is a country with and important population's aging and an expectation of 77.97 year-old life, facing to the elderly medical problems such as the dementia, being the Alzheimer disease the most common. This disease evolves by stages and as long as it goes from a stage to another the psychological and behavioral symptoms are increased; increasing the demand of special cares, important function carried out by the main carer. Objective: to identify the psychological and behavioral symptoms of the patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the main carer's perspective. Method: adescriptive study of a sample of 35 main carers of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the policlinic Carlos Manuel Portuondo of Marianao municipality. Statistical charts of absolute frequency and percentage were made for the processing and statistical analysis of the information. Results: the repetitions, the dream disorder and the eating disorder were the most frequent psychological and behavioral symptoms of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease. Conclusions: to avoid or to minimize the impact of the psychological and behavioral symptoms in the main carer it is necessary that it is supported by the family, the neighbors and/or the team of health(AU)

Síntomas psicológicos y conductuales en pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada / Psychological and behavioral symptoms in patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease

Introducción: el proceso de envejecimiento biológico de las personas es irreversible y comienza desde el nacimiento. Cuba es un país con envejecimiento poblacional, enfrenta problemas médicos de los ancianos tales como demencia. La enfermedad de Alzheimer es la más común, enfermedad que evoluciona por estadios, y en la medida en que transita de uno a otro se incrementan los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales, aumentando la demanda de cuidados especiales, desempeñados por los cuidadores. Objetivo: identificar los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales de los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada desde la perspectiva del cuidador principal. Métodos: estudio descriptivo en 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo municipio Marianao, desde enero de 2010 hasta septiembre de 2011. La información fue recogida con el Inventario Neuropsiquiátrico validado al castellano, se procesó con distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje.Resultados: las repeticiones (82,85 por ciento), alteraciones del sueño (77,14 por ciento) y trastornos de hábitos alimentarios (71,42 por ciento) fueron los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales de mayor incidencia en los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada, los menos frecuentes fueron: euforia (17,14 por ciento), alucinaciones, apatía y delusiones en el 40,00 por ciento. Conclusiones: desde la perspectiva del cuidador principal, los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales más frecuentes en los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer leve y moderada del Policlínico Carlos Manuel Portuondo fueron las repeticiones, las alteraciones del sueño y los trastornos de los hábitos alimentarios(AU)

Introduction: the process of people's biological aging is irreversible and it begins from the birth. Cuba is a country with and important population's aging and an expectation of 77.97 year-old life, facing to the elderly medical problems such as the dementia, being the Alzheimer disease the most common. This disease evolves by stages and as long as it goes from a stage to another the psychological and behavioral symptoms are increased; increasing the demand of special cares, important function carried out by the main carer. Objective: to identify the psychological and behavioral symptoms of the patients with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the main carer's perspective. Method: adescriptive study of a sample of 35 main carers of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease from the policlinic Carlos Manuel Portuondo of Marianao municipality. Statistical charts of absolute frequency and percentage were made for the processing and statistical analysis of the information.Results: the repetitions, the dream disorder and the eating disorder were the most frequent psychological and behavioral symptoms of patient with minor and moderate Alzheimer disease. Conclusions: to avoid or to minimize the impact of the psychological and behavioral symptoms in the main carer it is necessary that it is supported by the family, the neighbors and/or the team of health(AU)

Caregiver distress associated with behavioral and psychological symptomsin mild Alzheimers disease / Desgaste do cuidador associado a sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos na doença de Alzheimer leve

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Caregiver Distress and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementias (BPSD) in mild Alzheimers disease. Methods: Fifty patients and caregivers were interviewed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Results: 96.0% of the patients had at least one BPSD. The mean NPI total score was 19.6 (SD=18.05; range=0-78) whereas the mean Caregiver Distress Index (CDI) total score was 11.5 (SD=10.41; range=0-40). For the individual symptoms, the weighted mean CDI was 2.8 (SD=1.58). All symptom CDI means were higher than 2.0 except for euphoria/elation (m=1.8; SD=1.49). There were correlations between CDI and derived measures (Frequency, Severity, FxS, and Amplitude) for all symptoms, except Disinhibition and Night-time behavior. Correlations ranged between 0.443 and 0.894, with significance at p<0.05. Conclusions: All the derived measures, including amplitude, were useful in at least some cases. The data suggests that CDI cannot be inferred from symptom presence or profile. Symptoms should be systematically investigated.

Analisar as relações entre desgaste do cuidador e Sintomas Comportamentais e Psicológicos nas Demências (SCPD) na doença de Alzheimer leve. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes e cuidadores foram entrevistados com o Inventário Neuro-Psiquiátrico (INP). Resultados: 96,0% dos pacientes tinham pelo menos um SCPD. A média do escore total do INP foi 19,6 (dp=18,05; amplitude=0-78). A média do índice de desgaste do cuidador (IDC) foi 11,5 (dp=10,41; amplitude=0-40). Para os sintomas individuais, a média ponderada do IDC foi 2,8 (dp=1,58) (escala 0-5). Exceto para euforia/elação (m=1,8; dp=1,49), as médias dos IDC foram maiores do que 2,0. Foram encontradas correlações entre o IDC e medidas derivadas para todos os sintomas, exceto Desinibição e Sono. As correlações variaram entre 0,443 e 0,894 (p<0,05). Conclusões: Todas as medidas derivadas foram úteis em algum caso. Os dados sugerem que o IDC não pode ser inferido pela presença ou perfil dos sintomas. Antes, deve ser investigado sistematicamente.

Caregiver distress associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms in mild Alzheimer's disease.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Caregiver Distress and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementias (BPSD) in mild Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: Fifty patients and caregivers were interviewed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). RESULTS: 96.0% of the patients had at least one BPSD. The mean NPI total score was 19.6 (SD=18.05; range=0-78) whereas the mean Caregiver Distress Index (CDI) total score was 11.5 (SD=10.41; range=0-40). For the individual symptoms, the weighted mean CDI was 2.8 (SD=1.58). All symptom CDI means were higher than 2.0 except for euphoria/elation (m=1.8; SD=1.49). There were correlations between CDI and derived measures (Frequency, Severity, FxS, and Amplitude) for all symptoms, except Disinhibition and Night-time behavior. Correlations ranged between 0.443 and 0.894, with significance at p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: All the derived measures, including amplitude, were useful in at least some cases. The data suggests that CDI cannot be inferred from symptom presence or profile. Symptoms should be systematically investigated.

Analisar as relações entre desgaste do cuidador e Sintomas Comportamentais e Psicológicos nas Demências (SCPD) na doença de Alzheimer leve. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta pacientes e cuidadores foram entrevistados com o Inventário Neuro-Psiquiátrico (INP). RESULTADOS: 96,0% dos pacientes tinham pelo menos um SCPD. A média do escore total do INP foi 19,6 (dp=18,05; amplitude=0-78). A média do índice de desgaste do cuidador (IDC) foi 11,5 (dp=10,41; amplitude=0-40). Para os sintomas individuais, a média ponderada do IDC foi 2,8 (dp=1,58) (escala 0-5). Exceto para euforia/elação (m=1,8; dp=1,49), as médias dos IDC foram maiores do que 2,0. Foram encontradas correlações entre o IDC e medidas derivadas para todos os sintomas, exceto Desinibição e Sono. As correlações variaram entre 0,443 e 0,894 (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Todas as medidas derivadas foram úteis em algum caso. Os dados sugerem que o IDC não pode ser inferido pela presença ou perfil dos sintomas. Antes, deve ser investigado sistematicamente.

Sintomas psicolggicos y conductuales en pacientes con demencia / Behavioral and cognitive disorders in patients with dementia

El actual incremento de ancianos con demencia trae consigo la presencia de síntomas psicológicos y conductuales. Con el objetivo de conocer el comportamiento de los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales en pacientes con síndrome demencial, evaluados en la Consulta de Trastornos Cognitivos y Psicogeriatría del Hospital Carlos J. Finlay, realizamos un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 68 pacientes con diagnóstico de demencia, de acuerdo con los criterios del DSM IV de la Sociedad Psiquiátrica Americana, seleccionados por un muestreo probabilístico de selección aleatoria simple, de un universo de 180 pacientes con demencia, quienes fueron evaluados en dicha consulta, en el año 2006. En 100 % de los pacientes se presentó este tipo de sintomatología, en los que predomina ba la demencia tipo Alzheimer y como síntoma el trastorno de la actividad. Los trastornos de la actividad, del sueño y la agresividad sobresalieron en relación con el grado de deterioro mental. Se concluye acerca de la necesidad de profundizar en el estudio de este tipo de síntomas, los factores a los que se asocian y de su conocimiento por el equipo de atención primaria de salud.

The current increase of number of elderly with dementia brigs aside the presence of psychological and behavioral symptoms. With the main to know these symptoms in patients with dementia syndrome, evaluated in the Psichogeriatrics and Cognitive disturbances Consultation of the Carlos J Finlay Hospital, we performed a transversal descriptive study in 68 patients with dementia diagnosis, according to the DSM IV of the American Psychiatric Society, selected by a simple randomized sample, of a universe of 180 patients with dementia, who were evaluated in the consultation in 2006 year. In a 100% of the patients there were these symptoms, in which the Alzheimer’s dementia was predominant and as a symptom the activity disturbance. The activities disturbances sleep disorders and aggressively pointed out in connection with the stage of mental deterioration. We concluded about the need to deepen the studies about this type of symptoms, the factors associated and its knowledge by the Primary Health Care team.