Commenting on a statement issued by the Alzheimer's
Society on the use of antipsychotic drugs (7 October 2009), Dr Dave
Anderson, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of
Old Age Psychiatry, said:
The Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry shares the
Alzheimer’s Society concern about excessive use of antipsychotic
drugs. This is symptomatic of a health and care system ill designed
for people with dementia, yet, 30-40% of older people admitted to a
general hospital will suffer from dementia. The staff in general
hospitals need access to dementia training and advice from a
specialist liaison mental health team for older people if we are to
eradicate this problem. 75% of hospitals do not have a liaison
service for older people and that has to change.
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127