Prophylaxis of cerebrovascular events in dementia patients receiving risperidone

To determine if differences exist in prescribing for cerebrovascular adverse event (CAE) prophylaxis between residents receiving risperidone therapy and those with no antipsychotic therapy.

Retrospective, multicentered, cross-sectional study.

Ten long-term care facilities.

A total of 200 residents residing in skilled nursing facilities. The study group (n = 95) included residents with a risk factor for a CAE receiving risperidone. The control group (n = 105) consisted of residents with a risk factor for a CAE and not receiving antipsychotic therapy.

Data collected included patient age, gender, risk factor for CAE, and CAE prophylaxis. Statistics were performed using Chi-squared tests.

Fifty-six percent of the study group was not on an agent for CAE prophylaxis, compared with 36% of the control group.

This study demonstrated with statistical significance that CAE prophylaxis was less likely in the risperidone group. We are implementing a pharmacist-driven initiative to add antiplatelet therapies in all patients who have at least one risk factor for CAE.