Though heralded by their adherents, controlled studies have not demonstrated any benefit. A hearing amplifier. Some demented patients scream all the time. Giving them a hearing amplifier can often solve this problem. When agitation first occurs, it is important to rule out an underlying medical cause.
Delirium occurs, commonly, in persons with dementia.
Pain is often a precipitant of disruptive behaviors and it needs to be carefully assessed in agitated patients. A number of drugs can be utilized to regulate severe agitation. Resperidone and olanzapine are less likely to produce pseudoparkinsonism. A small number of studies suggest that they are as effective as the typical antipsychotics. Citalopram was better than placebo in decreasing irritability, fear and restlessness in Alzheimer's patients.