Alzheimer’s Society comment on Paul Burstow MP's report on the use of antipsychotics in people with dementia.

Paul Burstow MP's report illustrates the scale and severity of the important issue.

Inappropriate use of antipsychotics in people with dementia can cause devastating side effects, such as excessive sedation, parkinsonism symptoms, accelerated cognitive decline and an increased risk of stroke. This abuse has got to stop.

Antipsychotics have got to stop being a quick fix. There are over 700,000 people with dementia in the UK and more than half of these will experience behavioural symptoms. Alzheimer's Society research has shown that basic dementia training can help staff deal with behavioural symptoms and reduce the use of antipsychotics drugs by 50 per cent.

Neil Hunt
Chief executive
Alzheimer's Society 

Notes to editor:

• Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

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