Risky Dementia Drugs Still Widely Prescribed in US: Why Practices Haven't Changed

• Despite clear warnings for over a decade, risky medications are still commonly prescribed to older adults with dementia in the US.
• A large Medicare data analysis reveals one in four older Americans with dementia received at least one risky drug, significantly higher than those without cognitive impairment.
• Drugs flagged include antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, and barbiturates, which can worsen confusion, cause heavy sedation, and increase fall risk in dementia patients.
• Doctors often resort to medication due to the challenging reality of dementia care, where non-drug approaches require resources often unavailable in busy settings.
• Families are advised to stay engaged, ask about new prescriptions, potential side effects, and explore non-drug alternatives to reduce avoidable harm.

Why It Matters: Risky dementia drugs persist in US prescriptions due to complex care realities, despite known dangers.