Using Anti psychotics in Older Individuals with Dementia: Balancing Efficacy with Adverse Effects

A recent New York Times article highlighted the issue on the overuse of psychotropic medications in older adults with dementias who live in the United States. It was mentioned in this report that the US government had concerns regarding the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole, risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine in individuals with dementias who lived at home or at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In view of this recent report, it is prudent to evaluate the evidence for the use of antipsychotic medications for treating behavioral symptoms of dementia.