Understanding the Complexity of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in MCI and Dementia

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, also known as Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) include several distinct neuropsychiatric manifestations, such as agitation, apathy, depression, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, appetite disturbances, sleep disorders, and euphoria. These symptoms are highly prevalent, affecting up to 90% of individuals with dementia, and can emerge in the prodromal phase of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). BPSD not only exacerbate cognitive and functional decline but also increase caregiver burden and healthcare costs. Despite their clinical significance, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive due to the multifactorial nature of BPSD, involving genetic predispositions, neuroanatomical changes, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, and environmental triggers. Moreover, the heterogeneity of symptom presentations complicates diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Recent advances in neuroimaging, biomarker discovery, and personalized medicine provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of BPSD, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments.

This Research Topic aims to explore the complexity of BPSD in MCI and dementia by integrating perspectives from neuroscience, psychiatry, neuropsychology, and caregiving research. The objectives include:
1 ) Mapping the epidemiological trends and prevalence of specific BPSD across different dementia subtypes and cultural contexts.
2) Unraveling the multifactorial etiology of BPSD, with a focus on genetic, neuroinflammatory, and environmental contributors.

We welcome contributions from diverse fields that address the multifaceted nature of BPSD in MCI and dementia. Submissions may include original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, and perspectives on topics such as:
- Epidemiology and cultural variability of BPSD.
- Neuroimaging and neuroanatomical correlates of individual BPSD (e.g., apathy, agitation, delusions).
- Biomarker discovery for prediction, diagnosis, and treatment response.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: BPSD, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, epidemiology, genetics, neuroanatomy, biomarkers, treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.