Breakthrough sees new drug for dementia patients which could spell the end to the dangerous ‘chemical cosh’ meds to keep sufferers sedated

A new drug could spell the end of the scandal of dementia patients being prescribed dangerous ‘chemical cosh’ medication to keep them sedated.

Many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia – suffer from psychotic episodes and terrifying hallucinations that leave them permanently traumatised.

Such symptoms result from the degradation of parts of the brain involved in memory and information processing.

Sometimes patients believe there is an intruder in the room, or that their possessions have been stolen.

As a result, they are often prescribed anti-psychotic drugs – tranquillisers that control their agitated behaviour. However, research has found that in many cases, patients are sedated simply in order to stop them from wandering off – a practice dubbed the ‘chemical cosh’.

A new drug, pimavanserin, is being trialled in nursing homes and has been successful in reducing hallucinations and delusions among Alzheimer’s sufferers.

The treatment has also been hailed by experts as an effective alternative to current anti-psychotics, which can speed up a patients’ deterioration and result in fatal side effects. It is estimated that 1,660 strokes and 1,800 unnecessary deaths occur in the UK every year as a result of anti-psychotic drugs prescribed to vulnerable patients.

Pimavanserin works by blocking a nerve receptor called 5HT2A, which is part of the serotonin system. Known as the feel-good chemical, serotonin also has an important role in transmitting psychotic ideas. By blocking this receptor, pimavanserin stops the psychotic impulses spreading.

Other psychotic drugs work by blocking nerve receptors to limit the spread of psychosis, but they can also sedate people, which is why they are widely condemned for use in dementia patients.

Pimavanserin targets the 5HT2A receptor only, without causing the side effects associated with other anti-psychotics.

The new research, involving 181 UK patients, was presented at the tenth Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease conference in Boston and shows the drug is especially effective among those experiencing severe psychotic symptoms. Pimavanserin has already been found to improve psychosis caused by Parkinson’s in several major studies, without raising the risk of stroke.

The drug is now approved in the US for people with dementia related to Parkinson’s, and the charity Parkinson’s UK is calling for it to be submitted for European approval too.

A third round of trials into the drug’s use in Alzheimer’s patients begins next month. If successful, it could be licensed in as little as three years.

‘Psychosis is a particularly terrifying symptom of Alzheimer’s, both for those experiencing it and for their carers,’ says Clive Ballard, professor of age-related diseases at Exeter University.

‘Anti-psychotics on the market damage people’s health and have very little benefit.

‘These results indicate that pimavanserin could provide a real alternative for a particularly vulnerable group of people.

‘It is particularly encouraging that the most benefit was seen in those with the most severe psychotic symptoms.’

Dr James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, also welcomed the news, adding: ‘A new treatment is on the horizon.’