The efficacy and tolerability of divalproex sodium in elderly demented patients with behavioral disturbances

Behavioral disturbances are commonly encountered in elderly demented patients. The records of all patients admitted to a geropsychiatric inpatient unit within a 2‐year period who had a primary diagnosis of dementia and an accompanying behavioral disturbance treated with divalproex sodium were reviewed. Of the 13 patients identified, all tolerated divalproex sodium without significant side‐effects. General psychiatric symptoms, overall agitation, physical aggression and non‐aggressive physical agitation decreased significantly, but verbal agitation did not. Divalproex sodium is well tolerated and may be effective in ameliorating certain behavioral disturbances in elderly demented patients with agitation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.