Antipsychotic Drugs Increase Risk Of Death In Older People With Dementia

A new study shows that use of antipsychotic drugs is associated with an early and sustained increase in risk of death when used to treat disruptive behavior of older adults with dementia.

The study suggests that both newer "atypical" antipsychotics and older conventional antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality. The highest risk appears to involve use of the older conventional drugs.

Antipsychotic drugs are approved for treating psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and mania. But they are widely prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, verbal or physical aggression and delusions, hallucinations or paranoia.

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