Opioid analgesics reduce use of antipsychotics in persons with Alzheimer’s disease

Initiating an opioid analgesic reduced the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in persons with Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. These drugs are frequently prescribed to treat behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia, which can be worsened by other symptoms, such as pain. The results were published in International Psychogeriatrics. The researchers analysed the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines six months before and six months after persons with Alzheimer’s disease begun using an opioid. These results were then