Newer antipsychotic drugs could increase the risk of dangerous clots, research claims

This large and important study adds to the growing body of evidence which suggests antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and adds significantly to understanding of the serious detrimental effects of antipsychotics to the health of people with dementia. Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire County Teaching Primary Care Trust studied 25,532 eligible cases (15,975 with deep vein thrombosis and 9,557 with pulmonary embolism) recorded between 1996 and 2007 in people aged between 16 and 100.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Alzheimer's Society believes, beyond a shadow of a doubt that antipsychotic drugs should only ever be used as a last resort for people with dementia.

'The massive over-prescription of antipsychotics to people with dementia leads to an estimated 1,800 deaths a year - this must end. These drugs double the risk of death, triple the risk of stroke and accelerate cognitive decline. The drugs also have a profound effect on quality of life, leaving people heavily sedated.

'Training staff in dementia care can increase their understanding of the condition and eliminate the need for antipsychotics. Training must be made an immediate priority. It also is of paramount importance to develop safe alternative treatments for distressing behavioural symptoms in people with dementia.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society