Pharmacotherapy of agitation and psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Behavioral disorders, such as agitation and psychosis, are the main reasons for nursing home placement of Alzheimer’s disease patients. This review article discusses the efficacy and adverse effects rates of antipsychotics, the most effective and widely-used medications for psychosis in elderly patients and the most commonly prescribed class of psychotropic medicines in long-term care institutions. In addition, the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is discussed. Recommendations are provided regarding these existing and potential new clinical strategies. A future perspective is provided, taking into consideration prospective developments in preventative treatments of Alzheimer’s disease over the next 5 years.

• aging
• agitation
• Alzheimer’s disease
• antispychotic agents
• behavioural symptons
• dementia
• elderly
• impulsivity
• psychosis
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors