A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society looked at medical records nearly 84,000 nursing home patients in 45 states to determine if taking antipsychotic medications increased the risk of other medical problems, specifically heart attack, stroke, serious bacterial infections and hip fracture.
The review found that within 180 days of starting antipsychotic medicines, nursing home patients were at higher risk for bacterial infections, heart attack and hip fracture, but not at higher risk for stroke. The study also identified which specific medications lead to increased problems, and which doses proved to be safer for residents.
On the whole, this is exactly the kind of information that medical providers need to make the best decisions for patients with complex medical issues. The scope of this study – encompassing thousands of patients across the nation – and detail of data about specific medicines and doses provides a roadmap to help residents stay healthy.
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