• dementia
• Alzheimer
• BPSD
• frailty
• brain atrophy

Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive cognitive decline and loss of independence in activities of daily living. Alongside the cognitive symptoms, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) may arise, causing considerable distress to both patients and caregivers. The primary objective of my study was to evaluate the possible correlation between frailty and BPSD in elderly patients with dementia referred to our Memory Clinic. Secondary objective was to evaluate the possible correlation between BPSD and neurodegeneration in terms of brain atrophy, assessed with PA and GCA scale. The NPI scale was used in order to assess the presence and severity of BPSD. According to literature, BPSD were classified in three different clusters: “mood/apathy” (depression, apathy, sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances), ”psychosis” (delusions, hallucinations and anxiety) and “hyperactivity” (agitation, elation, motor aberrant behavior, irritability, disinhibition). The results of my study showed a significant correlation between frailty and “hyperactivity” cluster, both at baseline and follow up visits. I also detected a significant correlation between the number of symptoms of “hyperactivity” cluster and posterior cortical atrophy as measured with PA scale. A similar trend, although not statistically significant, was found for the GCA scale. These data suggest the usefulness of an in-depth study in a larger cohort of patients with cognitive impairment and BPSD.