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Drugs Linked to Death Risk in Elderly Dementia Cases


By Lindsey Tanner, Associated Press

October 19, 2005


Drugs often used to treat elderly patients with dementia-related aggression and delusions can raise their risk of death, according to a study that reinforces new warning labels required on the medications.

Researchers pooled results of 15 studies on drugs sold as Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel and Abilify.

Among more than 5,000 elderly dementia patients, those taking the drugs faced a 54 percent increased risk of dying within 12 weeks of starting the medication, compared with patients taking dummy pills.

There were 118 deaths among the 3,353 drug users versus 40 in the 1,757-patient placebo group, or 3.5 percent compared with 2.3 percent.

The drugs are approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disease. Because schizophrenia-like symptoms are common in elderly patients with Alzheimer's or other dementia, doctors frequently prescribe the drugs to those patients, too. Such "off-label" uses are legal.

The Food and Drug Administration warned in April that the drugs have been linked to deaths from heart failure and pneumonia in elderly dementia patients.

Dr. Lon Schneider, a University of Southern California psychiatrist and the study's lead author, said the results should instill caution "but not a great sense of fear."

 


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