Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease: From assessment to therapeutics

Table 1 Clinical and research definition of agitation in cognitive disorders according to the International Psychogeriatric Association 2024 Consensus

Criterion	Features
Criterion A	The patient meets criteria for cognitive impairment or dementia syndrome regardless of its etiology
Criterion B	The patient exhibits at least one type of behavior [(1) Excessive motor activity; (2) Verbal aggression; and (3) Physical aggression)] associated with observed or inferred evidence of emotional distress (e.g., irritability, anger). This behavior has been persistent or frequent for a minimum of two weeks or the behavior represents a marked change from the patient’s usual behavior
Criterion C	Behaviors are severe and associated with excess distress or produce excess disability, including at least one of the following significant impairments: (1) Interpersonal relationships; (2) Other aspects of social functioning; and (3) Ability to perform or participate in daily living activities
Criterion D	While comorbid conditions may be present, the agitation is not attributable solely to another psychiatric disorder, medical condition, including delirium, suboptimal care conditions, or the physiological effects of a substance

Adapted from Sano et al[13].