Outdated Medicare rules prevent some dementia patients from getting the medications they need By Carolyn ClevengerJune 4, 2024v

https://www.statnews.com/2024/06/04/dementia-alzheimers-patients-neuropsychiatric-symptoms-antipsychotic-drugs/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8RPCFnKJYVtjN3tSPy4X4D23qETrEuPYlOEbK_8WO1lbu8UGe5DLa-rzHjfwKFlYu7kn5m90rp4mJCilQN9w-wVLHVnw&_hsmi=309996679&utm_content=309996679&utm_source=hs_email An outdated Medicare rule could be harming some dementia patients If you don’t know anybody with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you would be forgiven for assuming that memory loss is the main symptom. In reality, people with dementia often experience mood and behavior symptoms ranging from anxiety and depression to violent outbursts and psychosis. While changes like establishing a predictable daily schedule and engaging the person in meaningful activity can help with symptoms for some people, others will need medication. But it’s not that simple. Outdated regulations often prevent these medications from reaching the people who need them, writes gerontological nurse practitioner Carolyn Clevenger. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which determines coverage for its beneficiaries and influences other insurance plans, has established policies that make it more difficult for providers to prescribe antipsychotic drugs when appropriate. Read more on how both patients and their families are affected.