Title: Effect of antipsychotic medication use on memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease: Assessing the potential risk for accelerated recent autobiographical memory loss. Author: Harrison BE, Therrien B. Journal: J Gerontol Nurs; 2007 Jun; 33(6):11-20. PubMed ID: 17598623. Abstract: Autobiographical memory loss is a common and disturbing problem for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with AD who are taking antipsychotic medications may be at further risk for loss of recent autobiographical memory because of the potential anticholinergic side effects of antipsychotics. The purpose of this post hoc, descriptive study was to compare the recent autobiographical memory scores of patients with AD taking antipsychotics to those who were not taking antipsychotics. The study population was composed of 35 patients with moderate-stage AD. Patients who were taking antipsychotics scored significantly worse on a recent autobiographical memory measure compared with patients who were not taking antipsychotics. This study provides further evidence for judicious use of antipsychotic medications with AD patients.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]
