The High Authority for Health (HAS) considers that it is necessary “to limit the prescription of neuroleptics in Alzheimer’s disease”, according to a press release published on November 25. This public body recommends not to “reduce the prescription of drugs inappropriately”, but to optimize it, with better treatments.
The unpredictable disorders linked to the use of neuroleptics in Alzheimer’s patients would be “well in place”. The prevalence of these disorders would have fallen from 16.8% to 16.1% in one year, a drop which should increase in the next two years, thanks in particular to the measures of the Alzheimer’s plan, according to the press release.
HAS experts observe that Alzheimer’s patients are particularly exposed to psychotropic drugs, particularly neuroleptics, and their side effects.
Data indicate that if 1,000 people were treated with a neuroleptic for twelve weeks, there would be a decrease in behavioral problems in 91 to 200 patients, ten additional deaths, 18 strokes, half of which would be severe, and walking in 58 to 94 patients.
The experts conclude that patients should be offered the best treatments, while avoiding exposing them for too long.