ABSTRACT
Inappropriate behaviors are those behaviors which are considered by caregivers and other observers to be socially inappropriate or bizarre, and not a direct symptom of dementia, or a result of an obvious need. Such behaviors include screaming, constant complaining, pacing back and forth, or aggressive behaviors. The behavior may be subtle, such as repetitious mannerism, and as such not disruptive to others, and therefore possibly not detected by others. Different types of behavior problems have been associated with different characteristics of older persons and different environmental characteristics. Aggressive behaviors were found to correlate with cognitive impairment. Aggressive behaviors in nursing homes tend to be directed toward staff members rather than at other persons in the environment. Pacing and wandering were also associated with cognitive impairment. Reports of interventions for behavioral problems are generally case reports or program descriptions. Several studies use reinforcement to strengthen desirable behaviors.
