Antipsychotic drug use and favourable natures of emotional functions in patients with dementia.

AIM: To characterise the effects of antipsychotics on brain functions of patients with behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

METHODS: Studies were performed during 6 weeks of intervention with either a nonantipsychotic drug (group A, n = 38) or an antipsychotic drug (group B, n = 10).

RESULTS: Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores were significantly decreased in both groups. Scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination did not change with intervention. By contrast, favourable natures of emotional functions, scored using the Delightful Emotional Index of 10 items, were significantly lower in the antipsychotic drug treatment group B relative to scores in the nonantipsychotic drug treatment group A.

CONCLUSIONS: Antipsychotics reduce favourite emotions as well as BPSD, and this should be considered in prescribing medications for patients with dementia.