Structured Care Protocols for People Living With Dementia in Nursing Homes: Reflections for Research

Anxiety, agitation, aggression, and other so-called “behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs)” are well-documented among nursing home residents living with dementia, and in many cases are the driver of nursing home admission.1,2 Given that dementia affects nearly one-half of all nursing home residents, the high prevalence of BPSDs represents a significant industry-wide and public health challenge.3 As we move through the COVID-19 crisis and into a reimagined long-term care system,4 we must prioritize efforts to build knowledge on how to effectively support nursing home residents living with dementia—for the benefit of those individuals, their families, nursing home staff, and our communities overall.