Non-Cognitive Symptoms of Dementia (NCS)
The majority of people with dementia will experience Non-Cognitive Symptoms of Dementia (NCS) at some time during their illness, particularly in the middle and later stages.
It is a particularly difficult aspect of the illness to manage and frequently results in admissions to long term care.
Behavioural symptoms: Usually identified on the basis of observation, symptoms include:
- physical aggression
- loud vocalisation
- restlessness
- agitation
- wandering
Psychological symptoms: Usually assessed on the basis of interviews with patients and relatives; these symptoms include:
- anxiety
- depressive mood
- hallucinations
- delusions