Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia

The following pages present statistics and information on:

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) refer to a range of non-cognitive symptoms (such as agitation, apathy or disinhibition) that are common among people with dementia. The type and severity of symptoms can vary over the course of the illness, and on a day-by-day basis. 

There are many possible causes of BPSD. For example, people experiencing BPSD may be attempting to communicate, have an unmet need (such as thirst or needing the toilet), or have an infection or other illness (DSA 2025). Physical changes in the brain that impact memory, emotional regulation and communication can also contribute to BPSD.

BPSD symptoms can have a major impact on the quality of life, health outcomes and care needs of people with dementia. Information on BPSD in Australia enables better policy and service planning for supporting people with dementia and their carers. 

These pages also present the current data landscape for reporting on BPSD in Australia and ways this may be improved in the future.

For more information on available support services, see Overview of Australia's aged care system and Overview of dementia support services and initiatives.

Key statistics

In 2023–24 over 370 referrals were assessed under the Needs Based Assessment program for very severe BPSD care
Agitation was the most commonly referred behaviour (primary behaviour) among Dementia Support Australia assessments completed in 2023–24
Insomnia was the most frequently reported symptom among people with dementia who completed a comprehensive aged care assessment in 2021–22
People with dementia were over twice as likely to report 3 or more behaviours in their comprehensive aged care assessments than people without dementia

DSA (Dementia Support Australia) (2025) Carer Handbook for understanding changed behaviours, Dementia Support Australia, accessed 18 June 2025.

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