Course Overview

This course will explore the role that benzodiazepines and other sedatives play in supporting a person with dementia experiencing a changed behaviour. The course will highlight the risks associated with using benzodiazepines and other sedatives, discuss the situations when benzodiazepines and other sedatives may be helpful in supporting a person with dementia and, discuss the prescribing guidelines and durations of therapy in these circumstances.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, staff should be able to:

• Describe the role of benzodiazepines and other sedatives in supporting a person with dementia experiencing a changed behaviour.
• Recognise the risks and common adverse effects that benzodiazepines and other sedatives carry when used in people with dementia.
• Identify target changed behaviours.
• Develop an appropriate management plan.
• Develop an appropriate withdrawal plan.