METHODS: A 78-year-old right-handed African-American female presented with complaints of worsening memory and BPSD, causing significant caregiver distress. Throughout the evaluation, she constantly vocalized her son\'s name and made a continuous grunting noise, correlating with increased anxiety/agitation. We utilized a redirection technique, which achieved the immediate reduction of the vocalization symptoms. Caregiver psychoeducation was provided allowing them to use the redirection technique at home.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with dementia exhibiting negative symptoms of BPSD, using nonpharmacologic techniques (i.e. redirection) may be indicated. Psychotropic medications rarely address negative BPSD symptoms, while simultaneously decreasing patient\'s quality of life. Nonpharmacologic approaches are beneficial as first-line therapy for negative BPSD.