Tardive Dyskinesia in Older Persons Taking Antipsychotics

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder linked to dopamine receptor-blocking agents (DRBAs).
• Older individuals exhibit increased risk and earlier onset of TD with DRBA use.
• TD presents with involuntary movements, impacting quality of life and increasing comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks, burdens, prevention, and management of TD.
• To focus on the specific challenges and considerations for older populations regarding TD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on TD pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment strategies.
• Analysis of the impact of DRBAs, including antipsychotics (APs) and metoclopramide.
• Examination of current and potential therapeutic approaches, including novel APs.

Main Results:

• TD risk is elevated in older adults, often appearing with shorter exposure to DRBAs.
• Existing TD treatments may not fully resolve symptoms, highlighting a need for alternative strategies.
• Understanding dopamine dysregulation is key to developing new treatments.

Conclusions:

• TD poses a significant burden, particularly for the elderly.
• Alternative antipsychotic strategies avoiding dopamine blockade may offer therapeutic benefits.
• Continued research into TD prevention and management is crucial, especially for aging populations.