Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing that antipsychotics double risk of death in people with dementia
Published 9 January 2009
This distressing new evidence highlights the desperate need to stop people with dementia being over-prescribed antipsychotics.
'These drugs also triple the risk of stroke, heavily sedate and accelerate cognitive decline in people with this devastating condition.
Too often these dangerous drugs are used as a substitute for good quality dementia care. Alzheimer's Society research shows that specialist dementia training for care staff can reduce antipsychotic use by 50%.
The forthcoming National Dementia Strategy must seize the opportunity and ensure antipsychotics are always a last resort.'
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
