Anti-psychotics Unsafe for Elderly with Dementia: New Study
Anti-psychotic drugs can be fatal for some elderly patients, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study included more than 27,000 patients over age 66 who suffered from dementia, and revealed that the use of the drugs in these patients contributes to an increased risk of death.
An advisory issued by the FDA in 2005 warned that patients who suffered from dementia and who also took atypical anti-psychotics such as Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal, suffered a rate of death 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than similar patients who only took a placebo. Most of those deaths seemed to be heart-related or linked to infections. The FDA subsequently requested that manufacturers label these anti-psychotic drugs with appropriate warnings and note that they were not approved for the behavioral treatment of elderly patients with dementia. Many physicians continue to prescribe them, however. This new study lends more scientific weight to the idea that these drugs are not appropriate for many elderly patients. The FDA advises that elderly patients taking the drugs for behavioral reasons should have their treatment plans reviewed by health care professionals.
The Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit voluntary organization addressing Alzheimer’s Disease, notes that the range of appropriate behavioral treatments for dementia consists of both non-drug interventions and prescription medications, and the organization recommends that non-drug interventions be tried first. The group has also designed the internet-based “Alzheimer’s Association Care Finder,” an interactive guide to educate consumers about recognizing quality Alzheimer’s care, choosing the best care options, and advocating for quality care in residential facilities.