Neuroleptics increase risk of death in people with dementia

'Neuroleptics have been used as a dangerous fix for 'challenging behaviour' in people with dementia for too long. They are not licensed for use among people with dementia, but continue to be hugely over-prescribed.

These drugs have now been exposed as having no benefit for people with dementia, while causing a dramatic increase in the risk of death. It is a disturbing revelation that confirms some of our worst fears about neuroleptics, which have been the subject of numerous health warnings.

It is a national scandal that people are being sedated in this way. Research by the Alzheimer's Society has shown training for care home staff reduces the need to use neuroleptics and is a more effective tool for managing challenging behaviour. Training for care staff must now be an urgent priority. These drugs must be a last resort only used when all other methods have failed to alleviate the most distressing symptoms of dementia.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society