A report of the review into the use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia in the NHS in England. The report explores the current evidence base, the law, and practice relating to prescription of these drugs for people with dementia.

Professor Banerjee asserts that the systems that we have for dementia treatment and care have grown by chance rather than by active planning or commissioning, and there are important gaps in services and skills.

The consequence of this is that while some people with dementia receive excellent care, for the large majority it appears that current systems deliver a largely antipsychotic-based response. Good practice guidelines are readily available but they do not appear to have been translated into clinical practice.

This report contains 11 recommendations that will, if implemented, reduce the use of these drugs to the level where benefit will outweigh risk and assure us that patients are being managed safely and effectively.

Download: The use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia: Time for action