The Use of Neuroleptics in Elderly Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62486/ijn2025243Keywords:
dementia, neuroleptics, elderly, adverse effectsAbstract
Background: Dementia is a syndrome, generally chronic or progressive in nature, characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function. It can be caused by various etiologies, and regardless of the underlying cause, patients exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Neuroleptics are considered first-line drugs for reducing dementia-related symptoms; however, their use is limited due to associated adverse effects. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neuroleptics in managing symptoms associated with dementia; nonetheless, they also emphasize the need for cautious use due to the potential adverse effects linked to their administration.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective and observational systematic literature review was conducted in 2025 at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The search was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Medline, LILACS, SciELO, and Cochrane. Results: Five studies from the preselected bibliography that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Conclusion: This study highlights the adverse effects associated with the use of neuroleptics in elderly patients with dementia. It is essential to recognize these effects in order to adequately assess the risk-benefit ratio of their use in each patient and to ensure proper monitoring during treatment.
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