By the numbers

Last update: March 8, 2008 - 4:02 PM

BY THE NUMBERS

34,000

Minnesota nursing home residents

10,770

Minnesota nursing home residents on antipsychotic drugs

153

Minnesota nursing homes cited in the past year for giving residents unnecessary drugs

ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS

A range of antipsychotic drugs can help reduce mood and behavioral symptoms of psychosis such as schizophrenia. They also are used to treat behavioral problems of other mental or neurological diseases.

Most are divided into two categories: first-generation "typical" antipsychotics, and second-generation "atypical" antipsychotics, which sometimes target symptoms better.

Both types may have serious side effects such as apathy, appetite suppression, confusion, unsteady gait, and may exacerbate the psychosis symptoms. Both also bring a higher risk of death to older patients with dementia- related psychosis.

FOR INFORMATION

There are many sources of information about specific antipsychotic drugs and their use.

Mayo Clinic

For information about specific drugs, go to www.mayoclinic.com.

Beers List

For a list of drugs that experts say may be especially dangerous for older people, go to www.startribune.com/a4072.

Alzheimer's Association

For information about drugs, drug trials for Alzheimer's disease and other resources, go to www.alzmndak.org or call 1-800-272-3900.

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