Title: Second - generation antipsychotic medications in the treatment
of behavioral and psychotic symptoms of dementi
Author: Leszek Bidzan
[opinion article, in polish]
Although cognitive dysfunction is the hallmark of dementia, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) pose major difficulties in the day-to-day care of patients and are likely to impair the quality of life of both patient and caregiver.
The aim of the paper was to review the role of second - generation antipsychotic drugs in the management of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Although second - generation antipsychotic drugs are being used with increasing frequency, few randomised trials have evaluated their use for BPSD.
It appears that, second - generation antipsychotics are efficacious for treatment of agitation in dementia, with less clear impact on psychosis. They are better tolerated, and have a lower propensity for EPS. But there is also increasing evidence that treatment with second - generation antipsychotics may be associated with adverse events.
In light of concern regarding the potential adverse events associated with treatment with these drugs, further evidence is required before their use can be endorsed in the management of BPSD.
Key words: second - generation antipsychotics, behavioral and psychological
symptoms, dementia
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