About 38 per cent of Australian aged care residents with dementia are taking antipsychotics. Many people living with dementia in aged care facilities are taking antipsychotic drugs for longer than 200 days – more than twice as long as the maximum recommended time, researchers say. The Macquarie University study found about 38 per cent of Australian aged care residents with dementia were taking antipsychotic medication, the same as a worldwide estimate. The researchers said antipsychotics were often used for longer than recommended, warning current guidelines and restrictions may be insufficient to limit the use of the medication. "Our research shows that people with dementia are on antipsychotic medication for roughly twice as long as the recommended maximum time to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia," lead author Kimberly Lind said. The research showed 65 per cent of aged care residents being treated with antipsychotics remained on the medication […]