Dementia Behavior Assessment and Response Team (D–BART)

In persons with a dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body or Frontotemporal dementia, behaviors gradually replace clear, verbal communication. Unfortunately, these behaviors can sometimes be challenging for family and caregiving professionals. The D–BART from the Mayo Clinic includes a licensed neuropsychologist, a medical psychiatrist, and a dementia education specialist. The team understands the challenging symptoms caused by dementia, and embraces a philosophy that behaviors such as agitation or aggression are influenced by physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors. The D–BART partners with caregivers and families to modify these factors in an effort to reduce the frequency and severity of negative behaviors and improve the patient’s mood and general quality of life.

A consultation generally takes place on site (private home, assisted living or long term care facility) and lasts approximately 75 minutes. A referral from the patient’s healthcare provider is needed and routine patient billing and insurance applies.

In return for this free program, the community partner is asked to arrange a quiet, comfortable meeting space. Community partners are requested to market the program to families within their facility or organization, as well as the general community in whatever ways are available to them (mailed invitations, flyers, posters, newsletters, announcements at support group meetings). A minimum of 10 confirmed attendees is needed. It is recommended community partners provide light refreshments.

To arrange a D–BART, call Julie Smith at 507–284–2649.