title: Use of atypical antipsychotics in the elderly: a clinical review.
abstract: The use of atypical antipsychotic drugs in the elderly has become wider and wider in recent years; in fact, these agents have novel receptor binding profiles, good efficacy with regard to negative symptoms, and reduced extrapyramidal symptoms. However, in recent years, the use of both conventional and atypical antipsychotics has been widely debated for concerns about their safety in elderly patients affected with dementia and the possible risks for stroke and sudden death. A MEDLINE search was made using the words elderly, atypical antipsychotics, use, schizophrenia, psychosis, mood disorders, dementia, behavioral disorders, and adverse events. Some personal studies were also considered. This paper reports the receptor binding profiles and the main mechanism of action of these drugs, together with their main use in psychiatry and the possible adverse events in elderly people.
authors.affiliation: Elderly Health Care, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gareri
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Segura-García
authors.affiliation: Elderly Health Care, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria Graziella Laura
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Manfredi
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bruni
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ciambrone
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Gregorio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cerminara
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovambattista
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Sarro
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Fazio
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
keywords: atypical antipsychotics; dementia; elderly; mood disorders; psychosis; side effects