26 May 2021

Five CNWL staff members have written a narrative review on the Recognition and Management of Antipsychotic-Induced Parkinsonism in Older Adults.

Dr Jordi Serra-Mestre, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Department of Old Age Psychiatry, psychiatrists Sharadha Wisidagama, Abiram Selladurai, and Peter Wu and Marco Isetta, Head of Technology-enhanced Learning, Library and Knowledge Services, produced the review for the online academic site MDPI.

Parkinsonism is a common side-effect of antipsychotic drugs especially in older adults, who also present with a higher frequency of neurodegenerative disorders like Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD).

Distinguishing between antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism (AIP) and IPD is challenging due to clinical similarities. Up to 20% of older adults may suffer from persisting parkinsonism months after discontinuation of antipsychotics, suggesting underlying neurodegeneration.

The paper recommended further research into its pathophysiology and on its treatment.

The paper is available here: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/8/6/24