Activity disturbance is common and persistent in early AD. Paranoid and delusional ideation shows moderate persistence and depressive symptoms infrequently last longer than a year. These findings may have clinical relevance for the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of BPSD.

Recognition of memory problems by family members is associated with increasing behavioural disturbance. Even with recognition of dementia, families often fail to seek medical attention. Education of the lay public on the early signs and symptoms of dementia must be a key first step in improving recognition of dementia in the community dwelling elderly.

The presence of verbal aggression should prompt the clinician to search for delusional ideation, which may respond to pharmacotherapy.

Experiencing recurrent falls whilst an inpatient is associated with prolonged length of stay. Recurrent falls in the elderly may be associated with both physical illness and the use of psychotropic medications. A prospective study examining factors contributing to falls would be important in decreasing fall risk and reducing length of stay.

It appears that severity of depression and having higher levels of anxiety make it more likely that you will be referred by your general practitioner to the old age psychiatry services.