The use of antipsychotic medication by community-dwelling people with dementia : an exploratory statistical analysis

Although the extent and risks related to the use of antipsychotic medication by people with dementia who live in residential aged care facilities (RACF) are now well documented (Banerjee 2009), far less research has been undertaken on the use of antipsychotic medication by people with dementia who live in their own homes. In Australia, only one small qualitative study involving 11 people has described the problem (Bird et al. 2009). In response to the need for further research in this area, this paper presents findings of a statistical analysis that was undertaken in a major urban centre in south-eastern Australia, to identify the extent of the use of antipsychotic medication by community-dwelling people with dementia who exhibit behaviours that challenge their carers.