Antipsychotics are used in dementia treatment. A new study has now found that this increases the risk of heart attacks, among other things.
Kassel – Although there is a lot of research going on, there is currently no cure for dementia. This makes it all the more important to prevent illness at an early stage. Good early detection is also important. A new blood test procedure promises to detect dementia up to 15 years earlier. With an early diagnosis, any treatments are sometimes more successful. In some cases, dementia sufferers are given antipsychotics to relieve symptoms such as aggressiveness or delusions.
However, these medications can have dangerous side effects, as various studies have already shown. A current study has now looked at these side effects again and found worrying results.
Antipsychotics for dementia: study shows increased risk of serious side effects
British scientists have studied the side effects of dementia drugs and published their findings in the BMJ, the journal of the British Medical Association. The study included data from over 173,000 adults over the age of 50, 35,339 of whom were prescribed antipsychotic medications. The study found that people taking these medications had a significantly increased risk of serious side effects. The researchers noted the following side effects:
stroke
Venous thromboembolism
Heart attack
heart failure
Broken bones
lung infection
Acute kidney damage
The increased risk is particularly high with one form of dementia medication
The scientists explained in their study: “Increased risks [...] were highest in the first week after starting treatment. In the 90 days after prescription, the relative risk of pneumonia, acute kidney injury, stroke, and venous thromboembolism was highest, with the risk increasing from 1.5-fold (for venous thromboembolism) to 2-fold (for pneumonia) was increased.” There were also differences between the different types of dementia medications. The risk of stroke, heart failure, bone fractures, pneumonia and acute kidney injury was higher with “typical antipsychotics” than with “atypical” ones.
Stronger side effects than expected – researchers demand careful consideration before prescribing
The researchers concluded: “The range of adverse effects was broader than highlighted in previous warnings from regulators, with the highest risks occurring shortly after starting treatment.” Darren Ashcroft, one of the study authors, emphasized: “It is important “The potential benefits of antipsychotic treatment must be carefully weighed against the risk of serious harm, and treatment plans must be regularly reviewed in all health and care settings.”
Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, told the Science Media Center: "However, these new findings suggest that these risks may be more serious than previously thought, which is particularly worrying given increasing use during the pandemic."
Dementia can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms. In addition to behavioral changes such as increasing aggressiveness, memory lapses or withdrawal from social contacts can also be important signs.