Neuroleptic drugs in dementia: benefits and harm.

Full Abstract

Neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs are often used to treat psychiatric symptoms frequently seen in dementia, but their use is controversial. We present a new meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of these drugs for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, and discuss the more limited evidence for their potential benefits in other dementias. We recommend that these treatments be limited to the short-term treatment of psychiatric symptoms associated with serious distress or risk.

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Author information

Author/s: Ballard, Clive (C); Howard, Robert (R);

Affiliation: Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. clive.ballard(-atsign-)kcl.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Nature reviews. Neuroscience (Nat Rev Neurosci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jun; vol 7 (issue 6) : pp 492-500

Dates: Created 2006/05/22; Completed 2006/07/18; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16715057, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Alzheimer Disease - drug therapy; psychology
Antipsychotic Agents - adverse effects; therapeutic use
Dementia - drug therapy; psychology
Fever - chemically induced

Associated Chemicals: Antipsychotic Agents (0)

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