- With Mayo Clinic clinical neuropsychologist
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Glenn Smith is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Smith, a Lincoln, Neb., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990 and works with neurologists, psychiatrists, internists, social workers and nurses involved in diagnosing and providing care for people with dementia and their families.
"For Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure," he says. "The best 'medicine' for patient and family remains education and support. Hopefully, Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's disease Web resources contribute to compassionate care and understanding for Alzheimer's families."
Dr. Smith is a professor of psychology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, a consultant in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, and principal investigator of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Education Core. He is past president of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Risk factors (2)
- Oophorectomy (ovary removal): A risk factor for dementia?
- Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?
Symptoms (1)
- Sundowning: Late-day confusion
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Rapid-onset Alzheimer's: Could it be something else?
- Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages
Complications (1)
- Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Treatments and drugs (4)
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Alzheimer's: Can a Mediterranean diet lower my risk?
Alternative medicine (5)
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
- Ginkgo biloba: Can it prevent memory loss?
- see all in Alternative medicine
Prevention (1)
- Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?
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Question
Antipsychotic drugs: Can they help people with Alzheimer's?
How effective are antipsychotic drugs in reducing agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease?
Answer
from Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Some evidence suggests that antipsychotic drugs may help reduce agitation in people with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. However, a comprehensive study published in 2006 showed that these medications may be less effective than previously thought for such use. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a black-box warning about a slight — but statistically significant — increased risk of death in people with dementia who are taking antipsychotic medications.
The bottom line: Antipsychotic medications may help reduce agitation in some people with dementia. But such medications should only be tried after more conservative treatment approaches — such as avoiding potential triggers of agitation — have failed. In addition, these medications should only be prescribed for limited periods and stopped if there's no improvement in the problem behavior or if side effects occur.
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