Nursing home residents with dementia could be at increased risk of falling due to antidepressants

The report by Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, states that nursing home residents with dementia who use average doses of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are three times more likely to have a fall that could cause injury than similar people who do not use these drugs. The association can also be seen in people who use low doses of SSRIs and the risk increases as people take larger amounts. The research was carried out on 248 nursing home residents with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Two thirds of care home residents have dementia so it is worrying that a common antidepressant, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), is causing increased risk to people with the condition. The findings build on previous research that showed similar harm, with limited benefits. It is important to highlight any aspect of care that might be causing risk to a person with dementia. We want to ensure that people with the condition are always receiving the best care possible.

'More research is now needed to understand why this antidepressant is having this effect on people with dementia and if there is an alternative treatment for depression that they could be prescribed. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet research into the condition continues to be drastically underfunded. We must invest now.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society