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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults

Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults

Published on: February 8, 2019

The elderly safety imperative and antipsychotic usage.

Lama M Chahine¹, Diler Acar, Zeina Chemali

¹Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA. ChahinL@ccf.org <ChahinL@ccf.org>

Harvard Review of Psychiatry

|April 27, 2010

Summary

Antipsychotics offer some benefit for older adults with psychotic symptoms, but require caution due to risks like increased mortality and cardiovascular events, especially in dementia patients. Careful patient selection is key for safe and effective antipsychotic use in the elderly.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults

Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults

Published on: February 8, 2019

Area of Science:

Geriatrics
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

Background:

Behavioral and psychotic symptoms are prevalent in aging populations.
Understanding antipsychotic benefits and risks is crucial for older adults.
These symptoms can manifest in dementia, schizophrenia, mood disorders, delirium, or delusional disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the use of antipsychotics in older adults.
To emphasize the risks and side effects associated with antipsychotic use.
To focus on dementia patients experiencing behavioral and psychotic symptoms.

Main Methods:

Review of existing studies on antipsychotic use in older adults.
Analysis of benefits and risks, including mortality and cardiovascular events.
Specific focus on patient selection criteria for antipsychotic therapy.

Main Results:

Antipsychotics demonstrate mixed but real benefits in carefully selected older patients.
Significant risks include increased mortality and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events.
Dementia patients with behavioral and psychotic symptoms require particular attention.

Conclusions:

Antipsychotic use in older adults necessitates careful consideration of benefits versus risks.
Risk mitigation strategies and careful patient selection are paramount.
Further research is needed to optimize antipsychotic therapy in geriatric populations.