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Personalize protocols when deprescribing psychotropics used to manage behavioural changes in individuals with dementia

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Abstract

When managing behavioural changes in individuals with dementia in long-term care settings, non-pharmacological approaches should be the first-line option. However, evidence indicates that psychotropic medications are prescribed excessively in this patient population. Psychotropics can be successfully deprescribed by gradually withdrawing treatment, by taking a person-centred approach that actively involves residents, their family/support persons and multidisciplinary teams, by ensuring healthcare staff are well trained and supported by management, and by employing effective communication strategies.

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The article was adapted from Drugs & Aging (2019) 36(2):125–36 [1] by employees of Adis International Ltd./Springer Nature, who are responsible for the article content and declare no conflicts of interest.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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Adis Medical Writers. Personalize protocols when deprescribing psychotropics used to manage behavioural changes in individuals with dementia. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 424–428 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00655-3

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