Expected rise in UK dementia cases

Age over 85LARGE RISE

Age under 85SMALL RISE

Behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with dementia

disturbed sleep

shouting

Repeated

questioning

agitationwandering

psychosis

depression

“short-term treatment (up to six weeks) of persistent aggression in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia, unresponsive to non-

pharmacological approaches and when there is a risk of harm to self or others”.

The reality

• Estimated 180,000 people in England with dementia were getting antipsychotics

• Only 36,000 get any clinical benefit from the drugs

• Negatives far outweigh the positives

Source: Bannerjee report

The chemical cosh: people with dementia

It doesn’t have to be that way!

Our goal

By 31st March 2012:

all people with dementia who are receiving antipsychotic

drugs will have undergone a clinical review to ensure that if

they are receiving these drugs they are doing so

appropriately and that alternatives to their prescription have

been considered and a shared decision has been agreed

regarding their future care

Called to action!

1. People with dementia and their carers2. Those who can give voice and advocacy to people

with dementia and their carers3. Clinical decision makers who prescribe and review

the drugs4. Those with authority who can promote best

practice

Pharmacists’ commitment