Professor Mayur Lakhani, Chair of the Royal
College of General Practitioners (RCGP), says:
“As a practising GP, I often see the effects
of aggressive and agitative behaviours in patients with dementia.
This can be distressing for both patients and their carers.
“We would like to reassure patients, relatives
and carers that neuroleptic drugs are not routinely prescribed to
patients with dementia, and are used only as a last resort when
patients suffer from severe episodes.
“The decision to prescribe neuroleptics to
Alzheimer’s patients is not one that is taken lightly, and often,
they are prescribed on the advice of specialists or as part of a
shared care protocol.
“We agree that there needs to be vigilance
about the prescribing of these drugs for dementia. The study also
appears to indicate a need for research into alternative drugs, and
for more consideration to be given to other ways of coping with
challenging behaviour, such as psychological therapies.
“It is important that this research is now
fully published and peer reviewed so that its findings can be fully
considered.”
Ends
For further information contact Lorna Fletcher
on 0207 344 3136 or email press@rcgp.org.uk