09.12.11
Alternative treatments for patients with dementia
The Society of Radiography (SoR) wants dementia patients to have access to alternative treatments before being prescribed anti-psychotic drugs. A motion calling for the change will be debated at the TUC conference this week.
Every year, more than 180,000 people with dementia are prescribed anti-psychotics, the inappropriate use of which leads to 1,800 premature deaths.
The SoR argues that drugs should be only used under careful supervision for limited periods. Sufferers, carers and healthcare professionals need to be provided with information and advice on the appropriate use of anti-psychotic drugs.
Sandie Mathers, a member of the Society's Council said: “In too many cases, these drugs are prescribed before non-drug interventions have been attempted, often as a way to deal with difficult and challenging behaviour.
“They should be the treatment of last resort, after non-drug methods have been tried and failed.”
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