A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has uncovered serious side effects associated with common dementia drugs, particularly antipsychotic treatments. The study revealed that antipsychotic use in individuals with dementia is linked to various adverse outcomes including heart failure, stroke, blood clots, heart attack, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury.

The research emphasized the heightened risks during the initial stages of treatment, highlighting the importance of exercising caution when prescribing these medications. The antipsychotics identified in the study – risperidone, quetiapine, haloperidol, and olanzapine – are typically administered to patients with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or those with treatment-resistant depression.

Additionally, these drugs are often used to manage symptoms in dementia patients, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, by alleviating behaviors like aggression. While antipsychotics do not offer a cure for these conditions, they aim to mitigate specific symptoms.

Despite their usage, antipsychotic treatments remain controversial due to their severe side effects and limited efficacy. In countries like France and the UK, only certain antipsychotics are authorized for dementia symptom management, underscoring the regulatory concerns surrounding their prescription.

It is essential to note that the BMJ study is observational, meaning that definitive cause-and-effect relationships cannot be established. There is a possibility that in some instances, the risk of certain side effects like pneumonia may be prioritized over the symptoms of dementia.

Neurologists have commended the study’s findings, especially as antipsychotic prescriptions have surged post the Covid-19 pandemic. The study raises concerns about the potential overprescription of these drugs, particularly in scenarios where adequate behavioral management resources may be lacking.