Alzheimer's Society comment on new research showing antipsychotics double risk of stroke in people with dementia, published in the BMJ

It confirms previous research that these drugs vastly increase risk of stroke and death.

Care home staff need specialist dementia training to effectively care for people with dementia. Alzheimer's Society research shows that specialist training could reduce antipsychotic use by 50% and save the UK £35 million a year, if it was mandatory.

The over-prescription of antipsychotics is a serious breach of human rights, these drugs should only be a last resort. The forthcoming National Dementia Strategy is a crucial opportunity stop this dangerous over-prescription and we look forward to its launch in the autumn.

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Spokespeople available: please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595. Information and facts on dementia available on request.

• Over 70% of people with dementia experience challenging behavior at some point during illness. More often than not this is an expression of unmet need, not a symptom of dementia.
• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk 
  
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336.
  

For further information please call 0207 423 3595 or 07802688774.