77 per cent of nurses say people with dementia in hospital given dangerous drugs

This doubles the risk of death, triples the risk of stroke and accelerates decline, research by Alzheimer's Society found today (Wednesday 7 October 2009).

In a survey of over 650 nurses and 450 nurse managers more than three quarters of respondents said antipsychotics were used always or sometimes. A quarter of nurses said that antipsychotics were used inappropriately. It is the first time evidence from nurses has highlighted the widespread prescription of the drugs to people with dementia in hospital.

Last year 'Always a Last Resort'1, a report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, found antipsychotics are inappropriately prescribed to up to 100, 000 people with dementia in care homes in the UK. The report found that staff training in dementia could reduce drug use, improve care and save money.

Today Alzheimer's Society and 10 leading organisations and associations are calling on the government to publish the results of a review of antipsychotics. The group is also urging the NHS, local authorities and charities to work together to improve dementia care. 

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,

'The massive over prescription of antipsychotics to people with dementia is an abuse of human rights, causing serious side effects and increasing risk of death.  These powerful drugs should only be used in a small number of cases. The government must take action to ensure that these drugs are only ever used as a last resort.

Carers of people with dementia who are currently on antipsychotics should talk to their GP or responsible consultant about whether it is appropriate to continue use.'