Home

  • Home
    • » e-Newsletters

Antipsychotics increase risk of death in Alzheimer's residents

LTC Liability Monitor, November 10, 2005

Newer antipsychotic medications pose an increased risk of death in elderly dementia residents, according to a study from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Johns-Hopkins psychiatrists concluded that so-called second generation antipsychotic medications-used to treat aggressive or psychotic behavior-spur a small increase in the risk of death to dementia-afflicted residents due to harmful side effects.

Second generation antipsychotics should not be used when alternative treatments, such as behavior interventions or antidepressants, are available, the psychiatrists advised. The study was published in the October 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Most Popular