A randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial in dementia patients continuing or stopping neuroleptics (the DART-AD trial).

ABSTRACT:

Background

There have been increasing concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of neuroleptics in people with dementia, but there are very few long-term trials to inform clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of long-term treatment with neuroleptic agents upon global cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Methods and findings

Design

Randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled parallel two-group treatment discontinuation trial.

Setting

Oxfordshire, Newcastle and Gateshead, London and Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Participants

Patients currently prescribed the neuroleptics thioridazine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol trifluoperazine or risperidone for behavioural or psychiatric disturbance

SUBMITTER: Ballard C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2276521 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature