Neuroleptic drugs

People with dementia are frequently sedated with powerful anti-psychotic medication. Use of this medication as part of routine care management is undignified and disgraceful. It takes away the rights of people with dementia to live as independent, autonomous people.

A carer writes:

‘My mother has dementia and was living in a care home. So many times when I went to visit I found her to be in a zombie-like state. I took her immediately to my own doctor who found she was on olanzapine. The dose was 5mg each night and more when necessary. She was so mixed up that she could not get to the toilet in time, could not stand on her own, dress or eat properly. Her weight went from size 16 to 8 in 3 years. I weighed her on arrival here, she is big boned and was 5ft. 9 tall. she weighed in at 7st.12lbs’

Powerful neuroleptic drugs (often also known as anti-psychotics) are often used to sedate people as a means of control because of ‘wandering’ or behaviour which is regarded as aggressive. The Alzheimer’s Society believes that all care staff should be trained in dementia care to ensure that they can cope with the complex care needs that people with dementia have, without resorting to drugs that which destroy their dignity and ability to live as normally as possible.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be producing guidance on the use of anti-psychotics. This is a welcome step. In the meantime care staff need to be trained in the needs of people with dementia to ensure that they know how to care properly without recourse to drugs.

Please see attached information sheet for more information.

• Care homes fail on medication standards (February 2006)
  
• Drugs used to relieve behavioural symptoms.
  
• Alzheimer's Society welcomes neuroleptics ruling (9 Mar 2004)
  

If you would like a fuller briefing or more information please contact Vicki Combe, the campaigns officer on 0207 306 1181 or email vcombe@alzheimers.org.uk.