Number of people diagnosed with dementia being prescribed antipsychotics reduced by more than half in three years

The audit collected data from more than 3,800 GP practices in England, with information about nearly 197,000 people with dementia. The 52 per cent reduction is between 2008 and 2011. It was also found that there were strong regional variations, with rates of prescribing of antipsychotic drugs up to six times higher in some areas than others.


Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This momentous achievement is not just about statistics, it is about the lives of tens of thousands of people with dementia. Credit is due to the many doctors, nurses and care workers without whom this would not have been possible. It also reflects the hard work of campaigning organisations such as Alzheimer's Society to raise awareness and change opinions.'

'However, there are still tens of thousands more people - both diagnosed and undiagnosed - having their lives put at risk by these drugs and some parts of the country are failing to reach the mark. Now is the time to move from fourth gear to fifth to ensure everyone's prescriptions are reviewed and that only those people who benefit are kept on antipsychotics. They must only be a last resort.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society


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Notes to editors:


About antipsychotics:

• Alzheimer's Society recently launched the Focussed Intervention Training and Support (FITS) programme, supported by £100,000 investment each from the Department of Health and HC-One care home group. An initial trial in 2007 found the programme reduced the use of antipsychotics in care homes by 50 per cent.
• Alzheimer's Society has developed two resources on antipsychotics, one aimed at carers and the other at health professionals. Both guides can be downloaded from alzheimers.org.uk/antipsychotics
  
• Antipsychotic prescriptions to people with dementia cost the UK £80 million per annum.  Alzheimer's Society research shows that person centred care can reduce these costs by half, saving the UK £40 million a year.
  

About Alzheimer's Society:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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