Psychotic events in Alzheimer's disease: application of the PLST model.

This article focuses on a review of the literature related to the known prevalence of psychotic events in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and associated aggressive, violent behavior toward family caregivers. It also describes the impact of behavioral disturbances on family caregivers and how use of the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold model and nonpharmacological interventions cited in the literature can help manage these behaviors. Geriatric nurses armed with this information will be better prepared to provide caregivers with much-needed education to better understand psychotic events, as well as strategies to cope with associated behaviors. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.