There is an increased risk of death for dementia patients taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, a new study from Queen’s University Belfast has suggested. As dementia is associated with age and the proportion of older people aged 65 years and over increases, the prevalence of dementia is also projected to increase. “People living with dementia often have other medical conditions which means that they are prescribed multiple medications. There was evidence of a slight increased risk of death in people with dementia-prescribed antidepressants and a strong increased risk in those prescribed anti-anxiety medications. Heather Barry, principal investigator on the study, said the findings “extend our knowledge and highlight the importance of judicious prescribing for people with dementia.

Source: Irish Examiner March 08, 2026 13:36 UTC