Training care staff reduces use of unlicensed drugs

These drugs can be avoided with a better understanding of dementia care according to a new study by the Alzheimer's Society.

The study, published today in the BMJ, found that training and educating care home staff about dementia reduces instances of disruptive behaviour and the use of unlicensed anti-psychotics.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'75 percent of people in care homes have dementia but only 10 percent of staff have adequate dementia care training. An urgent review of statutory training requirements is needed to avoid putting residents at risk.

Disruptive or challenging behaviour is distressing for staff, people with dementia and their families. However these unlicensed treatments are often not suitable for them and can have adverse effects. This research shows that training staff makes a real difference.

Nationally accredited training courses run by the Alzheimer's Society can improve the quality of care and reduce the use of harmful sedatives.'

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society and co-author of the study:

'People with dementia are often prescribed anti-psychotic drugs without knowing what causes their behaviour. This is an important study as it shows that educating and training staff increases their understanding of patients needs, decreasing the need to prescribe drugs.

The trial surveyed over 400 care home residents with dementia and found that proper training and education reduced the need to use anti-psychotic drugs which can have harmful side-effects. It concluded that the promotion of person centred care and good practice in the management of patients with dementia with behavioural symptoms provides an effective alternative to neuroleptics.'

For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The Alzheimer's Society hopes that all care providers and trainers will eventually use their course to help improve training for care workers working with people with dementia in residential and care homes.
• The Society campaigns for a person centred approach to supporting people with dementia including further exploration of alternative ways to alleviate the distress experienced by people with dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.