Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News
A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health
July 03, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 8
July 03, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 8
ASK THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN A9846/S6817
This legislation has been sent to the Governor who will sign or veto it in the next few days. Please send your memo of support immediately. Feel free to use the Alliance's memo as a model. Click here.
This bill would expand the functions of the Interagency Geriatric Mental Health Council to focus more attention on substance use problems among older adults and on the behavioral health needs of veterans. It would also establish service demonstration grants for substance abuse like those already taking place for mental health. The grants program would depend on an appropriation in a future state budget. If enacted, this bill will do much to promote integration of mental health and substance abuse services for older adults.
Please send your memo of support to:
Honorable David A. Paterson
Governor
The Executive Chamber
New York State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Fax: (518) 474-1513
You can also send the Governor an electronic message by visiting: http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/index.html
Kristin Rosenstein
Legislative Secretary's Office
The Executive Chamber
New York State Capitol 225
Albany, New York 12224
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us. Also, please send or email us a copy of your correspondence, if possible. Thank you for your help and support!
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OMH Releases Advisory Regarding Anti-psychotic Meds and Dementia
Following an FDA warning regarding the dangers of giving anti-psychotic medications to people with dementia, NYS Office of Mental Health released an advisory for mental health providers in NYS. Click here.
The Alliance sent the Advisory on to the NYS Department of Health, Division of Long-Term Care and to organizations that represent nursing homes in the hopes that similar standards would be established in the long-term care system. No word yet whether they have or have not.
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NYC FY2009 Budget: Deep Cuts for Human Services, 10% Cut for Geriatric Mental Health
The NYC Council approved a $59 billion budget on Sunday with at least $40 million in cuts to existing programs. It is one of the worst budgets for community based human services. The NYC Department for the Aging will be will be taking a cut of $5.5 million. There are also additional cuts in food, transportation, and space costs. On top of that, there is a $29 million reduction in NYC Housing Authority funds for senior centers operating in their buildings.
Given widespread speculation that it might be eliminated, we are pleased that the Geriatric Mental Health Initiative, which provides geriatric mental health services in non-traditional settings, was restored at $2.4 million, taking only a 10% cut.
Advocacy for the Initiative was led by The Coalition of Behavioral Mental Agencies, UJA Federation, and United Neighborhood Houses as well as The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.
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On June 6th, the NYS Office of Mental Health held a hearing on the 2008-2012 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. Michael Friedman testified on a variety of issues, including geriatric mental health. Kim Steinhagen testified solely about geriatric mental health and emphasized the importance of OMH developing a comprehensive plan to address the mental health needs of older adults. Heather Mermel from the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies led her testimony with geriatric mental health.
To read Michael's testimony, click here.
To read Kim's testimony, click here.
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Upcoming Events
July 17, 2008 - Medicaid Managed Care. Come learn how Medicaid Managed Care services will affect the services you receive. Come prepared with your questions. The event will be from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Muhlenberg Auditorium, 4th Floor (440 West 114th St./Amsterdam Ave.) Please click here for more information.
July 31, 2008 - Family Interventions for Older Adults & Their Families. A six-hour seminar to provide participants with an understanding of the dynamics that affect family relationships in late life and some strategies for intervention. For more information, click here for Poughkeepsie or here for Capital Region.
September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm
September 13, 2008 - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.
September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.
Please click here for registration and brochure.
October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.
For more information, please click here.
October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.
NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.
To register, please click here.
Educational Activities for Healthcare Professionals Focusing on Older Adults sponsored by the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers. Programs include reinventing senior centers and senior programs, new trends in discharge planning, falls prevention and more. Programs are from 8:45am -4:30pm and registration is $50.
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.
For dates and registration information, click here.
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Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services
NAMI-NYC Metro is working to improve access to mental health services for all New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE coverage Interviews will be, scheduled at your convenience and all information will be kept strictly confidential. To schedule a half-hour interview or for more information, call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email voziransky@naminyc.org.
Please click here for more information.
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AAGP to Award $10,000 to Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services Program Applications
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry has created a new award to encourage programs to provide and/or expand services for meeting the mental health needs of the frail elderly in their homes. As part of the new AAGP Deirdre Johnston Award for Excellence and Innovation in Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services, the association will grant $10,000 to a program based on its excellence and/or innovation in providing mental health services to older adults in the community.
For more information click here
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In the News…Depression Most Reliable Predictor of Suicide Among Elderly
Know signs of depression to help prevent, intervene
(6/4/2008)
By Maureen Hrehocik
Executive Editor, Long-Term Living
ORLANDO, FLA. -The most reliable predictive characteristic of suicide among the elderly is depression, says David B. Lennox, PhD.
A general estimate is that 10% of elderly are at high risk of suicide with the most common methods of taking one's life being firearms, hanging, jumping, and drowning.
Eighteen to 20% of all suicides in the elderly are among those 65 and older, Lennox, president and founder of QBS, Inc., Holliston, Massachusetts, said at the recently concluded Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conference in Orlando. The highest rates were among white men 65 years and older (80% of all suicides) with rates increasing for white men, peaking at 85.
"Two to four attempts are made for every successful suicide," he points out.
Women make more attempts, however men are more successful. His ALFA presentation also showed that elderly premeditated the act longer with greater lethality than younger people attempting suicide.
Studies show 30% to 50% of skilled nursing facility residents have depression and 30% of individuals with Alzheimer's have depression.
Suicidal elders share some common characteristics. Among those are: physical illness (34% to 94%); chronic, severe pain; debilitating disease or terminal illness; psychiatric illness (depression); Alzheimer's or related dementia; history of suicide attempts; and history of alcohol or substance abuse.
Lennox said some of the predictors of suicidal risk that staff should be on the lookout for are: undesirable transfer, new medical condition or diagnosis, recent medication changes, increase in medication non-compliance, recent expression of "hopelessness," difficulty adjusting to a recent loss, self-imposed change in routine (e.g., withdrawal, isolation), recent "talk" of suicide (60% to 80% successful), recent financial "crisis."
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In the News… FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors
FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors
By MATTHEW PERRONE - Associated Press
June 16, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration warned doctors Monday that prescribing a certain group of psychiatric drugs to seniors suffering from dementia can increase their risk of death.
Anti-psychotic drugs are approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disease, but doctors frequently prescribe them to treat elderly patients with dementia.
FDA's announcement was an update to a 2005 action, when regulators added warnings about increased heart attacks and pneumonia to drugs called aytpical antipsychotics. The medicines include blockbusters like Eli Lilly & Co.'s Zyprexa and Johnson & Johnson's Risperdal.
FDA said Monday those same risks apply to 11 older drugs known as conventional antipsychotics, including thorazine and prolixin. The drugs were developed in the 1950s and have largely been replaced by the newer medications, which are believed to have fewer side effects, such as tremors.
Analysts did not expect the announcement to negatively impact drug company earnings because the original antipsychotics are available as low-cost generics.
Federal officials have repeatedly urged doctors not to medicate seniors unnecessarily. Despite such warnings, health professionals continue to prescribe psychiatric drugs "off-label," or for uses that have not been approved by FDA. About 20 percent of seniors in nursing homes who receive antipsychotics do not have psychiatric problems, according to data released by Medicare earlier this year.
While FDA regulates the approval and marketing of drugs, doctors are free to use their own judgment when prescribing drugs.
The agency stressed there is "no approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis," and recommended doctors consider other treatment options.
"A lot of the things can be done to help change one's environment so elderly patients can be more oriented and engaged," said Dr. Eric Hollander, a Professor at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Many of the behavioral problems seen in seniors can be improved by setting simple, daily routines that patients can follow, Hollander said. Click here for the full story.
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In the News...Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find
Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find
ScienceDaily (June 4, 2008) - When people hear about elder abuse in nursing homes, they usually think of staff members victimizing residents. However, research by Cornell faculty members suggests that a more prevalent and serious problem may be aggression and violence that occurs between residents themselves.
Although such aggression can have serious consequences for both aggressors and victims, the issue has received little attention from researchers, and few proven solutions exist to prevent resident altercations, says Karl Pillemer, director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging at the College of Human Ecology. He has co-authored two articles -- in Aggression and Violent Behavior and in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society -- on "resident-to-resident mistreatment" this spring with Weill Cornell Medical College professor of medicine Mark S. Lachs, M.D., and medical student Tony Rosen. Both studies report that verbal and physical aggression between residents is common and problematic, and that more research is necessary to identify risk factors and preventative measures.
"Anyone who spends much time in a nursing home will observe arguments, threats and shouting matches among residents, as well as behaviors like pushing, shoving and hitting," Pillemer said.
Please click here to read more.
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In the News...Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia
Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia
By LAURIE TARKAN
June 24, 2008
Ramona Lamascola thought she was losing her 88-year-old mother to dementia. Instead, she was losing her to overmedication.
Last fall her mother, Theresa Lamascola, of the Bronx, suffering from anxiety and confusion, was put on the antipsychotic drug Risperdal. When she had trouble walking, her daughter took her to another doctor - the younger Ms. Lamascola's own physician - who found that she had unrecognized hypothyroidism, a disorder that can contribute to dementia.
Theresa Lamascola was moved to a nursing home to get these problems under control. But things only got worse. "My mother was screaming and out of it, drooling on herself and twitching," said Ms. Lamascola, a pediatric nurse. The psychiatrist in the nursing home stopped the Risperdal, which can cause twitching and vocal tics, and prescribed a sedative and two other antipsychotics.
"I knew the drugs were doing this to her," her daughter said. "I told him to stop the medications and stay away from Mom."
Not until yet another doctor took Mrs. Lamascola off the drugs did she begin to improve.
The use of antipsychotic drugs to tamp down the agitation, combative behavior and outbursts of dementia patients has soared, especially in the elderly. Sales of newer antipsychotics like Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa totaled $13.1 billion in 2007, up from $4 billion in 2000, according to IMS Health, a health care information company. Part of this increase can be traced to prescriptions in nursing homes. Researchers estimate that about a third of all nursing home patients have been given antipsychotic drugs.
The increases continue despite a drumbeat of bad publicity. A 2006 study of Alzheimer's patients found that for most patients, antipsychotics provided no significant improvement over placebos in treating aggression and delusions.
Click here to read the full story.
To read Michael's testimony, click here.
To read Kim's testimony, click here.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events
July 17, 2008 - Medicaid Managed Care. Come learn how Medicaid Managed Care services will affect the services you receive. Come prepared with your questions. The event will be from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Muhlenberg Auditorium, 4th Floor (440 West 114th St./Amsterdam Ave.) Please click here for more information.
July 31, 2008 - Family Interventions for Older Adults & Their Families. A six-hour seminar to provide participants with an understanding of the dynamics that affect family relationships in late life and some strategies for intervention. For more information, click here for Poughkeepsie or here for Capital Region.
September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm
September 13, 2008 - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.
September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.
Please click here for registration and brochure.
October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.
For more information, please click here.
October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.
NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.
To register, please click here.
Educational Activities for Healthcare Professionals Focusing on Older Adults sponsored by the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers. Programs include reinventing senior centers and senior programs, new trends in discharge planning, falls prevention and more. Programs are from 8:45am -4:30pm and registration is $50.
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.
For dates and registration information, click here.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services
NAMI-NYC Metro is working to improve access to mental health services for all New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE coverage Interviews will be, scheduled at your convenience and all information will be kept strictly confidential. To schedule a half-hour interview or for more information, call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email voziransky@naminyc.org.
Please click here for more information.
------------------------------------------------------------------
AAGP to Award $10,000 to Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services Program Applications
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry has created a new award to encourage programs to provide and/or expand services for meeting the mental health needs of the frail elderly in their homes. As part of the new AAGP Deirdre Johnston Award for Excellence and Innovation in Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services, the association will grant $10,000 to a program based on its excellence and/or innovation in providing mental health services to older adults in the community.
For more information click here
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Depression Most Reliable Predictor of Suicide Among Elderly
Know signs of depression to help prevent, intervene
(6/4/2008)
By Maureen Hrehocik
Executive Editor, Long-Term Living
ORLANDO, FLA. -The most reliable predictive characteristic of suicide among the elderly is depression, says David B. Lennox, PhD.
A general estimate is that 10% of elderly are at high risk of suicide with the most common methods of taking one's life being firearms, hanging, jumping, and drowning.
Eighteen to 20% of all suicides in the elderly are among those 65 and older, Lennox, president and founder of QBS, Inc., Holliston, Massachusetts, said at the recently concluded Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conference in Orlando. The highest rates were among white men 65 years and older (80% of all suicides) with rates increasing for white men, peaking at 85.
"Two to four attempts are made for every successful suicide," he points out.
Women make more attempts, however men are more successful. His ALFA presentation also showed that elderly premeditated the act longer with greater lethality than younger people attempting suicide.
Studies show 30% to 50% of skilled nursing facility residents have depression and 30% of individuals with Alzheimer's have depression.
Suicidal elders share some common characteristics. Among those are: physical illness (34% to 94%); chronic, severe pain; debilitating disease or terminal illness; psychiatric illness (depression); Alzheimer's or related dementia; history of suicide attempts; and history of alcohol or substance abuse.
Lennox said some of the predictors of suicidal risk that staff should be on the lookout for are: undesirable transfer, new medical condition or diagnosis, recent medication changes, increase in medication non-compliance, recent expression of "hopelessness," difficulty adjusting to a recent loss, self-imposed change in routine (e.g., withdrawal, isolation), recent "talk" of suicide (60% to 80% successful), recent financial "crisis."
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News… FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors
FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors
By MATTHEW PERRONE - Associated Press
June 16, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration warned doctors Monday that prescribing a certain group of psychiatric drugs to seniors suffering from dementia can increase their risk of death.
Anti-psychotic drugs are approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disease, but doctors frequently prescribe them to treat elderly patients with dementia.
FDA's announcement was an update to a 2005 action, when regulators added warnings about increased heart attacks and pneumonia to drugs called aytpical antipsychotics. The medicines include blockbusters like Eli Lilly & Co.'s Zyprexa and Johnson & Johnson's Risperdal.
FDA said Monday those same risks apply to 11 older drugs known as conventional antipsychotics, including thorazine and prolixin. The drugs were developed in the 1950s and have largely been replaced by the newer medications, which are believed to have fewer side effects, such as tremors.
Analysts did not expect the announcement to negatively impact drug company earnings because the original antipsychotics are available as low-cost generics.
Federal officials have repeatedly urged doctors not to medicate seniors unnecessarily. Despite such warnings, health professionals continue to prescribe psychiatric drugs "off-label," or for uses that have not been approved by FDA. About 20 percent of seniors in nursing homes who receive antipsychotics do not have psychiatric problems, according to data released by Medicare earlier this year.
While FDA regulates the approval and marketing of drugs, doctors are free to use their own judgment when prescribing drugs.
The agency stressed there is "no approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis," and recommended doctors consider other treatment options.
"A lot of the things can be done to help change one's environment so elderly patients can be more oriented and engaged," said Dr. Eric Hollander, a Professor at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Many of the behavioral problems seen in seniors can be improved by setting simple, daily routines that patients can follow, Hollander said. Click here for the full story.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News...Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find
Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find
ScienceDaily (June 4, 2008) - When people hear about elder abuse in nursing homes, they usually think of staff members victimizing residents. However, research by Cornell faculty members suggests that a more prevalent and serious problem may be aggression and violence that occurs between residents themselves.
Although such aggression can have serious consequences for both aggressors and victims, the issue has received little attention from researchers, and few proven solutions exist to prevent resident altercations, says Karl Pillemer, director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging at the College of Human Ecology. He has co-authored two articles -- in Aggression and Violent Behavior and in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society -- on "resident-to-resident mistreatment" this spring with Weill Cornell Medical College professor of medicine Mark S. Lachs, M.D., and medical student Tony Rosen. Both studies report that verbal and physical aggression between residents is common and problematic, and that more research is necessary to identify risk factors and preventative measures.
"Anyone who spends much time in a nursing home will observe arguments, threats and shouting matches among residents, as well as behaviors like pushing, shoving and hitting," Pillemer said.
Please click here to read more.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News...Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia
Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia
By LAURIE TARKAN
June 24, 2008
Ramona Lamascola thought she was losing her 88-year-old mother to dementia. Instead, she was losing her to overmedication.
Last fall her mother, Theresa Lamascola, of the Bronx, suffering from anxiety and confusion, was put on the antipsychotic drug Risperdal. When she had trouble walking, her daughter took her to another doctor - the younger Ms. Lamascola's own physician - who found that she had unrecognized hypothyroidism, a disorder that can contribute to dementia.
Theresa Lamascola was moved to a nursing home to get these problems under control. But things only got worse. "My mother was screaming and out of it, drooling on herself and twitching," said Ms. Lamascola, a pediatric nurse. The psychiatrist in the nursing home stopped the Risperdal, which can cause twitching and vocal tics, and prescribed a sedative and two other antipsychotics.
"I knew the drugs were doing this to her," her daughter said. "I told him to stop the medications and stay away from Mom."
Not until yet another doctor took Mrs. Lamascola off the drugs did she begin to improve.
The use of antipsychotic drugs to tamp down the agitation, combative behavior and outbursts of dementia patients has soared, especially in the elderly. Sales of newer antipsychotics like Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa totaled $13.1 billion in 2007, up from $4 billion in 2000, according to IMS Health, a health care information company. Part of this increase can be traced to prescriptions in nursing homes. Researchers estimate that about a third of all nursing home patients have been given antipsychotic drugs.
The increases continue despite a drumbeat of bad publicity. A 2006 study of Alzheimer's patients found that for most patients, antipsychotics provided no significant improvement over placebos in treating aggression and delusions.
Click here to read the full story.
