Reducing antipsych meds: 5 ways psychologists can help
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 04, 2014
With the mandate to reduce the use of antipsychotics, many facilities are looking for alternative methods to address the behaviors often associated with dementia. There are several good resources available...
Antipsychotic use tied to acute kidney injury, increasing pressure on nursing home reduction efforts
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 20, 2014
Older people who take antipsychotic medications are at a markedly increased risk of acute kidney injury, according to newly published research findings out of Canada. The study further supports ongoing...
Also in the news for August 7, 2014 . . .
Aug 07, 2014
Mild cognitive impairment quadruples risk of Alzheimer’s … UK health system testing antipsychotic medication patch … Nursing home worker admits stealing from resident trust funds …...
Dementia increases risk for hospital readmission by 20%
By
John O'Connor
Jun 01, 2014
Seniors are more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge if they have dementia, and the risk increases if they are taking an antipsychotic medication, according to recently published research.
LTC achieves antipsych goal
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 01, 2014
After years of pushing, long-term care facilities have reduced their use of antipsychotic medication for dementia, according to an April report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Aggression strongly signals pain only when dementia reaches advanced stages, researchers find
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 21, 2014
For a person with dementia, the link between aggressive behavior and physical pain is strong only in the condition’s advanced stages, University of Florida researchers have found.
Public reporting of physical restraint use led to 36% increase in antipsychotic prescribing for dementia,...
By
Tim Mullaney
Mar 21, 2014
Public reporting of physical restraint use in nursing homes caused a spike in the use of antipsychotic medications to control residents’ dementia symptoms, according to a recently published analysis....
Pharma company Teva to pay $27 million over charges of kickbacks to promote dangerous antipsychotic
By
Tim Mullaney
Mar 12, 2014
Teva Pharmaceuticals and subsidiary IVAX LLC have agreed to a $27.6 million settlement over charges that they paid kickbacks to a psychiatrist for putting nursing home residents on the antipsychotic drug...
CMS budget defines nursing home quality targets, requests an additional $50 million for surveys
By
Tim Mullaney
Mar 12, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 requests additional funds for survey activities and lists the agency’s targets for nursing home quality measures.
Quick antipsychotic withdrawal OK: study
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jan 01, 2014
A small Belgian study of people with dementia on low-dose antipsychotics found that abrupt stoppage of the medication, rather than tapering, is a possible solution. Eighty-five percent of 40 patients who...