Person centred approach for treating those with dementia fundamental: Finnie

2.32.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Jul 2010

Commenting on a report published today by Professor Bruce Guthrie which says that 17% of those with dementia in Scotland are on antipsychotic drugs, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP said:

“Prescribing antipsychotic drugs to dementia patients should always be the last resort.

“A person centred approach is fundamental to providing good care and support to dementia sufferers.

“People with dementia must be cared for by staff which have the skills, knowledge and training to provide effective care.”

“With numbers of those being diagnosed with dementia set to double in the next 25 years, there must be an effective strategy in place for caring for those with dementia. We must not see an over reliance on medication.