Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016 Mar 27. doi: 10.1002/gps.4463. [Epub ahead of print]
White N, Leurent B, Lord K, et al
A longitudinal cohort study of 230 patients with dementia admitted to two UK hospitals assessed behavioural and psychological symptoms and documentation of non-pharmacological and pharmacological management. 75% of patients with dementia had behavioural and psychological symptoms (especially aggression and activity disturbance). Non-pharmacological management was used in 55% of patients, 36% had psychosocial interventions with little evidence of effectiveness monitoring. Patients were prescribed antipsychotics (12%), benzodiazepines (12%), antidepressants (16%), or sedatives (3%). Patients prescribed antipsychotics were nearly 6 times more likely to die, compared to those who were not.
Shortcuts are compiled by Jason Boland