Dopamine Receptor Genetic Variation, Psychosis, and Aggression in Alzheimer Disease

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Abstract
BEHAVIORAL syndromes including agitation, aggression, and psychosis occur in more than 80% of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD).1-4 When these syndromes occur, they are often highly distressing to both patients and caregivers, and can serve as the last straw leading to institutionalization.3,5,6 Currently, neuroleptics remain the only established pharmacotherapy for psychosis and agitation complicating dementia, though efficacy is modest.7-9 The use of neuroleptics (and other agents) in the treatment of behavioral syndromes in patients with AD has been largely on the basis of empirical extension of observed efficacy in other populations, without evidence of an underlying pathophysiological rationale.10