Antipsychotics: risk of death and stroke in people with dementia

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Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that short term use of antipsychotic drugs more than triple the risk of a serious event causing hospitalisation or death in people with dementia living in the community. This comprehensive study highlights the life-threatening effects antipsychotics have on people with dementia and reveals that people in the community are at greater risk than those in nursing homes.

Antipsychotics double risk of death and triple risk of stroke in people with dementia, yet up to 105,000 people with dementia in the UK are inappropriately prescribed them as a quick fix for treating challenging behaviour, such as aggression and agitation. Urgent action is needed to ensure these dangerous drugs are always a last resort. Safe, effective alternatives are available; Alzheimer's Society research shows specialist dementia training for care home staff can reduce the use of antipsychotics by up to 50%. Antipsychotics should only be used in extreme circumstances, when all alternatives have failed and for no more than 12 weeks, whilst a care plan is put into place. ...http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

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