COTA Australia supports calls for a review of the use of antipsychotic medications on residents of nursing homes living with dementia after revelations that their risks outweigh their benefits in the majority of people.
“There is now significant expert advice that the misuse of such drugs is widespread, despite other effective remedies available for elderly people in need of treatment for dementia symptoms”, COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates said.
“Antipsychotic drugs are not meant to be a long term remedy for dementia,” Mr Yates explained.
“They have far-reaching side effects including the increased risk of heart attack.
“Essentially they work as a sedative, and while there is some benefits in their use, they should only be used in the short-term and not as a long-term solution.
“Alzheimer’s Australia has found that up 80% of people living with dementia are being treated with antipsychotic drugs despite not needing the se dangerous medications, while the ABC’s Lateline Program found that their use could be responsible for possibly thousands of avoidable deaths each year.
“Rather than using serious heavy drugs long-term, often to ease symptoms such as pain or loneliness, aged care providers should be looking at other treatments which have been proven to work.
“The continued over-use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia is a violation of basic human rights, and it should not be accepted.
“People with dementia deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not sedated, and I call on the authorities to investigate this serious problem and regulate against drugs overuse.
“We strongly support Alzheimer’s Australia call for an audit into the use of anti-psychotics in dementia patients in aged care. We look forward to working with them and with the Government to address this important issue.”
Media contact: Ian Yates 0418 835 439 , Anastasia Stomo 043 224 3389