The Guardian

Antipsychotics given for dementia pose risks-study

By Andrew Stern

May 26, 2008

Elderly dementia patients prescribed antipsychotic drugs are at three
times the risk of a serious health problem or dying within a month of
treatment, compared to those not given the drugs, Canadian researchers
said on Monday.

The medications have been used by doctors to treat aggression in
people who are not psychotic or schizophrenic, but there are risks for
elderly dementia patients prescribed the drugs, according to Dr. Paula
Rochon of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto,
and colleagues.

"Of residents newly admitted to a nursing home, 17 percent are started
on antipsychotic drugs within 100 days of their admission," often for
short periods to control delirium, delusions or aggressive behavior,
Rochon wrote.