Government promises to cut use of antipsychotic drugs by two thirds

12/11/2009

A new Government-commissioned independent review into antipsychotic drug use for dementia patients has found that an estimated 150,000 people are being inappropriately prescribed the drugs, contributing to 1,800 deaths each year.

The Care Services Minister Phil Hope admitted this morning that the situation is ‘totally unacceptable’ and announced an action plan to address the issue, including a pledge to cut the use of antipsychotics by two thirds over three years.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:
“Evidence of the dangers of antipsychotics has been available for some time, so though welcome, it’s a shame the report arrives so heavily delayed when many people have died prematurely from taking these drugs. This new plan has the potential to stem the flow of unnecessary deaths, an injustice that has affected too many families for too long, and needs to be implemented swiftly.

“The report reveals that the Government has grasped that research is key to solving the antipsychotic problem. We urgently need funds to develop better treatments for Alzheimer’s that are fit for purpose. Alzheimer’s Research Trust scientists are currently investigating alternative approaches to reducing agitation among dementia patients.”