Acute psychiatric hospitalization for patients with irreversible dementia

The charts of 121 patients who suffered from an irreversible dementing illness and were admitted to an acute psychiatric unit were retrospectively reviewed. Agitated behavior was the most common reason for admission but a variety of other behavioral and mood symptoms were also cited as leading to admission. Nursing care needs were greater for patients who were agitated, delirious or suffered from Alzheimer'disease. Agitated patients were more likely to be discharged to a nursing home.