Non-pharmacological Approaches to Management of the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

The following approaches have shown some benefit for people with dementia. Please note that not all non- pharmacological approaches are effective or appropriate for everyone. The selection of approaches must be person-centred.

• Listening to music/music therapy
• Effective communication strategies and person-centred approaches to care
• Sensory interventions (e.g. massage, gentle touch or therapeutic touch, and stimulation of the senses - visual, auditory, touch)

• Group activities in care homes (e.g., animal-assisted therapy, dance, cooking, etc.).

• Art therapies (e.g. visual arts, drama/ movement, song writing, poetry, etc)

See complete guideline for more details about these therapies.