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

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.'

 

Ends 

 

Alzheimer's Society antipsychotics survey
Research conducted by Alzheimer's Society over a two month period ending in May 2009. Respondents: 657 Nurses (89% England , 5% Wales , 6% Northern Ireland ) and 479 nurse managers (86% England , 6% Wales , 7% Northern Ireland ).
Are antipsychotic drugs such as Haloperidol or Risperidone often used to treat people with dementia in the hospital environment?
	Nurses	Nurse managers
Always	4%	4%
Sometimes	73%	73%
No	11%	9%
Don't know	10%	13%
Do you think antipsychotic drugs are appropriately prescribed to people with dementia?
	Nurses	Nurse managers
Always	6%	7%
Sometimes	48%	49%
No	24%	20%
Don't Know	21%	24%

Notes to editors

The following organisations are calling for publication of the results:

Alzheimer's Society; Alzheimer's Research Trust; All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia; Barchester Healthcare; Age Concern and Help the Aged; English Community Care Association; Carers UK; Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board; Counsel and Care; UNISON; National Care Forum. 

 

• Antipsychotics are licensed for Schizophrenia and other important psychiatric conditions. It is not necessary that people with Schizophrenia ask for a review of medication.
• 1 All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia 'Always a last resort'.
• Antipsychotics or neuroleptic drugs are treatments for people with schizophrenia, and have been widely used to treat behavioural symptoms such as aggression in people with dementia. The drugs are used off-license for people with dementia.
  
• Side-effects include excessive sedation, dizziness and unsteadiness, which can lead to increased falls and injuries, as well as parkinsonism (tremors and rigidity), akathisia (body restlessness), reduced well-being, social withdrawal, accelerated cognitive decline and severe sensitivity reactions.  More recent work has highlighted concerns that certain types of anti psychotics treble the risk of stroke for people with dementia (Committee on Standards for Medicine, 2004[i]), and that there is almost a doubling in the risk of mortality (FDA 2005).
• There are a limited number of circumstances where people with dementia should remain on antipsychotics. It is advisable to discuss and review medication with a qualified professional at regular intervals.
• For information about professional guidance on antipsychotics please visit the MRHA website
• Research was conducted as part of Alzheimer's Society Putting Care Right Campaign. An Alzheimer's Society report focussing on dementia care in hospitals will be published in November 2009.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 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.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk