Long-term care facilities commonly prescribe antipsychotic drugs to elderly service users, often to treat behavioral issues associated with dementia. Despite a lack of evidence that these drugs are effective for older adults, and at least one study finding that antipsychotics exacerbate behavioral problems in nursing homes, prescription rates continue to climb.
While efficacy is questionable, the harmful effects associated with antipsychotic drugs in elderly populations is not. Antipsychotic prescriptions in elderly service users are linked to increased risk of pneumonia, stroke, kidney injury, blood clots, falls, bone fracture, heart attack, heart failure, anticholinergic reactions, parkinsonian events, tardive dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, cognitive slowing, and death.