Psychotropic Polypharmacy in Dementia: A Retrospective Analysis for People with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Referred to an Australian Dementia Support Service.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Despite their limited benefits and serious adverse effects, psychotropics remain frequently prescribed for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of dementia. Psychotropic polypharmacy, the use of two or more concomitant psychotropic medications, is therefore not recommended for people with dementia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy in Australians living with dementia whose caregivers sought external NPS support from Dementia Support Australia (DSA; the national provider of NPS support) and the association of psychotropic polypharmacy with their demographics and NPS characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study of a subset of DSA referrals at baseline (i.e., yet to receive psychos

SUBMITTER: Atee M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11799070 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature