Identifying central behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with care time in older adults with dementia

A network analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID22088698
AuthorsChunqin Liu (0000-0002-1298-8015, Sun Yat-sen University), Qing Luo (0000-0002-0238-8075, Guangzhou Medical University), Ying Zhou (0000-0001-7335-5601, Shangri-la Institute, corresponding author), Ke Li (0009-0005-1439-1844, Sun Yat-sen University, corresponding author), Huijuan Li (0009-0006-3989-594X, Nursing Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University), Haicheng Liu (0000-0002-6734-820X, Sun Yat-sen University), Xinyang Hu (0000-0002-8861-2567, Sun Yat-sen University)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1744794-1744794
Publication date2026-01-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1744794
PMID41657690
OpenAlexW7125494248
LanguageEN
References cited45

Background: While behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are generally associated with care time, the strength and nature of these associations may vary across individual symptoms. Aim: To examine these nuanced associations using a network perspective among older adults with dementia, thereby yielding more comprehensive insights. Design: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Methods: Between December 2022 and May 2023, 205 Chinese older adults with dementia were recruited from two nursing homes in Guangzhou. BPSD severity and caregiver distress were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The Per-Minute Care Intensity method was used to quantify the amount of formal care time received within a 24-h period. Network analysis was conducted to illustrate the complex nuanced relationships between specific BPSD symptoms and corresponding care time. Results: Network analysis identified "irritability" and "agitation/aggression" severity, along with the caregiver distress caused by these two symptoms, as central nodes in two separate networks. In addition, the severity of "aberrant motor behaviors" and "agitation/aggression," as well as the related caregiver distress, emerged as key bridge nodes connecting BPSD symptoms with care time. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence of potential pathways through which specific BPSD symptoms are linked to care time in older adults with dementia. This underscores the importance of prioritizing targeted interventions for central and bridge symptoms such as agitation, irritability, and abnormal motor behavior. Future intervention studies are warranted to validate these findings and further refine strategies for optimizing care practice. Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution. Impact: A deeper understanding of the intricate connections between specific BPSD symptoms and corresponding care time will help administrators prioritize symptoms such as agitation and irritability when designing interventions aimed at reducing caregiver burden

Irritability · MEDLINE · Psychological intervention · Social support · Chronic Disease Management Strategies · Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research · Mental Health Research Topics

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