Rapid Response

Antipsychotics in the Elderly

Authors: James Wooten, PharmD

Abstract

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the rate of growth of the elderly population (individuals 65 yr of age or older) has greatly exceeded the growth rate of the population of the country as a whole. In fact, the fastest growing segment of the elderly population is the oldest of the old (those individuals 85 yr of age or older). Medication use in the elderly has also increased, with approximately 25% or more of all prescription drugs used by elderly patients. Unfortunately, medication use in the elderly is not always done wisely, with solid evidence-based treatment strategies.1,2

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References

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