Alternatives to atypical antipsychotics for the management of dementia-related agitation.

Numerous recent studies have challenged the widely held belief that atypical antipsychotics are safe and effective options for the treatment of behavioural problems such as agitation in patients with dementia. Accordingly, there is a need to reconsider the place of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with dementia. The present article is intended to assist clinicians with the assessment and pharmacological management of agitation in patients with dementia.