'Scandalous Abuse of the Elderly' (UK)

'Scandalous abuse' of the elderly prescribed antipsychotics in hospital exposed

Tens of thousands of vulnerable dementia patients are being prescribed 'chemical cosh' drugs in hospital wards in a 'scandalous abuse' of the elderly, ten leading health organisations have said in a letter to The Daily Telegraph.

By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor

07 Oct 2009

It is the first time the scale of the abuse in hospital wards is exposed, following warnings that 100,000 dementia patients in care homes are prescribed the drugs leading to the deaths of 23,000 a year 

Three quarters of nurses have seen people with dementia in general wards in hospital prescribed antipsychotic drugs that are known to double the risk of death and triple the risk of a stroke in these patients, research has shown.

It is the first time the scale of the abuse in hospital wards is exposed, following warnings that 100,000 dementia patients in care homes are prescribed the drugs leading to the deaths of 23,000 a year.

Ten leading charities, carers groups and experts have written to The Daily Telegraph saying: "We cannot stand by while this scandalous abuse of vulnerable citizens continues."

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society said: "The massive over prescription of antipsychotics to people with dementia is an abuse of human rights, causing serious side effects and increasing risk of death. These powerful drugs should only be used in a small number of cases. The Government must take action to ensure that these drugs are only ever used as a last resort."

Abridged

SOURCE:    The Telegraph, UK

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