Agitation in dementia is always managed non-pharmacologically first. Before reaching for medications, we must look for reversible causes: constipation, urinary tract infections, uncontrolled pain, dehydration, delirium, medication side effects, or environmental stressors.
Medications are reserved only for situations where the person is at risk of harming themselves or others, or when distressing symptoms cannot be relieved with supportive measures alone.
In this video, we walk through a simple, compassionate approach based on evidence and palliative care principles — helping families and clinicians recognize triggers, reduce distress, and restore comfort and dignity.