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BPSD (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia) Project

As part of the Ontario Dementia Care Physician Resources initiative, several educational and clinical resources about the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) have been developed and/or adapted by the Centre for Studies in Aging & Health at Providence Care for use by clinicians, students and caregivers involved in the care of the elderly.

BPSD Clinical Resources for Health Professionals

Introduction to Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): A Handbook for Family Physicians

This handbook has been developed primarily for clinicians and physicians who contribute actively to the education of families, care providers, and other physicians. The original handbook was published in November 2008. Several chapters have been revised based on feedback and incorporated into this second edition. If you wish you may download entire handbook or individual chapters.

BPSD Handbook Chapters in PDF format:

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) Toolkit

The intention of this toolkit (in PDF format) is to enable primary care providers with a ready to use reference in the detection, assessment and management of cognitive impairment/dementia and co-morbid chronic mental and physical health disorders. The recommended tools are to be used in consideration of the unique clinician, setting, and patient.

Information Sheets about Key Issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Several information sheets about key issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia have been developed in PDF format for use by learners, caregivers and health professionals.

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BPSD Resources for Educators

Introduction to Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): A Handbook for Family Physicians

  • See the BPSD Resources for Health Professionals section above.

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) Toolkit

  • See the BPSD Resources for Health Professionals section above.

BPSD Illustrative Case Studies

PowerPoint Presentations and Presenter's Handouts (in PPT and PDF format):

  • BPSD Case Studies: Living at Home (3)
  • BPSD Case Studies: Living In Long Term Care Homes (4)
  • BPSD Case Studies: In the Hospital (1)

Key Issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

PowerPoint Presentations and Presenter's Handouts:

  • Brain and Behaviour - full presentation
  • Introduction to Brain and Behaviour
  • The 7 A’s
  • Developmental Brain Concepts
  • A Structural-Functional Approach to Understanding BPSD
  • Delirium & BPSD
  • BPSD: Behavioural Problems throughout the Course of Dementia
  • Evolving an Approach to BPSD: Five Key Questions and the U.R.A.F. Template
  • Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Management of BPSD

Learning Objects Repositories (includes animations, images, short presentations and interactive media):

  • The 7 A’s Teaching Resource Catalogue - resources that can be integrated into educational material to enhance and illustrate information about the 7 A’s
  • The 7 A’s Animated Interactive Modules - an aid to understanding the way the individual with dementia is experiencing the world.
  • Brain & Behaviour: A Structural-Functional Approach to BPSD Teaching Resource Catalogue - resources that describe specific parts of the brain and associated functions and dysfunctions associated with Dementia
  • Brain & Behaviour: Physiology of the Brain Animated Interactive Modules - examine each of the brain areas and their associated functions and the implications of various types of dysfunction
  • General Dementia Teaching Resource Catalogue - images that can be used in teaching material designed to support the understanding, detection and assessment of dementia

Information Sheets about Key Issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Several information sheets about key issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia have been developed in PDF format for use by learners, caregivers and health professionals. For a full listing, see the BPSD Resources for Learners and Caregivers section below.

NOTE: The viewing of BPSD Resources for Educators is limited to users who have a registered user account on sagelink.ca. Users who have not already done so may self-register, or may contact info@sagelink.ca for assistance in acquiring a sagelink.ca user account. There is no fee for registration.

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BPSD Resources for Learners and Caregivers

Key Issues related to the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

PowerPoint Presentation Handouts in PDF format:

  • Brain and Behaviour - full presentation
  • Introduction to Brain and Behaviour
  • The 7 A’s
  • Developmental Brain Concepts
  • A Structural-Functional Approach to Understanding BPSD
  • Delirium & BPSD
  • BPSD: Behavioural Problems throughout the Course of Dementia
  • Evolving an Approach to BPSD: Five Key Questions and the U.R.A.F. Template
  • Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Management of BPSD

Information Sheets in PDF format:

  • Anosognosia - no knowledge of illness
  • Amnesia - loss of memory
  • Aphasia - loss of language
  • Agnosia - loss of recognition
  • Apraxia - loss of purposeful movement
  • Altered Perception - loss of visual perception
  • Apathy - loss of initiation
  • The Frontal Lobe - executive function
  • The Parietal Lobe - language analysis, calculations, spatial perception, sequencing
  • The Temporal Lobe - language, memory
  • The Occipital Lobe - vision, depth perception
  • The Limbic System - sleep, appetite, memory retrieval, connects behaviour with memories
  • The Cerebellum and Brain Stem - balance, voluntary and involuntary movements
  • Vancouver Health Authority Decision Tree
  • Delirium - Key Facts
  • Delirium - Tri-fold Handout
  • Understanding, Reflection, Actions and Follow-up (U.R.A.F) Template
  • Cognitive Enhancers - Monitoring Side Effects
  • Crisis Intervention - Non-Pharmacological
  • Psychotropic Aids - Collaborators
  • Psychotropic Aids - Physicians
  • Eight Non-Pharmalogical Approaches

NOTE: The viewing of BPSD Resources for Learners & Caregivers is limited to users who have a registered user account on sagelink.ca. Users who have not already done so may self-register, or may contact info@sagelink.ca for assistance in acquiring a sagelink.ca user account. There is no fee for registration.

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