Best practice psychotropic medication use for people with dementia

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1 min. read
01 December 2023

Behaviour

Best practice psychotropic medication use for people with dementia

#Family Carer #Dementia #Carer Support #Where we go

The Clinical Practice Guideline for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care and associated Companion Guide are now accessible online.

The guideline is tailored for senior health professionals with responsibilities in prescribing medications, including practitioners, pharmacists, and registered nurses. While the companion guide, designed to facilitate the practical application of the guideline recommendations, is tailored for individuals impacted by dementia, including those living with dementia, their carers, and families,. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for public information.

The guideline specifically addresses the use of the three most common psychotropic medication classes associated with restrictive practices in residential aged care facilities: antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.

Notably, the recommendations and good practice statements within the guideline extend beyond residential care. They are also relevant to individuals living with dementia who receive high-level home care packages.

Emphasising a proactive approach, the guideline outlines good practice statements to be adhered to when supporting a person living with dementia and experiencing changed behaviours - both before initiating psychotropic medication and throughout its course. Conditional recommendations provide comprehensive evidence-based insights into the benefits, potential harms, and appropriate circumstances for discontinuing the use of psychotropic medications.

It is important to note that non-pharmacological interventions are the preferred first-line treatment for changed behaviours in people living with dementia. While these guidelines focus on psychotropic medications, it's crucial to complement this information with other best practice guides and resources for non-drug treatments.

Download the Guidelines and associated resources