September 2021 – Palliative Pearl – Acetaminophen for Agitation in Dementia

Agitation in dementia may be a result of untreated pain.  

The use of scheduled acetaminophen has been demonstrated to reduce agitation significantly in nursing home populations of patients with dementia.  

Try acetaminophen 650 mg three or four times a day, on a schedule, as a trial for agitated behaviors.