The aim of this study was to explore trends in treatment with antipsychotic medication in Swedish dementia care as reported in the most recent empirical studies on the topic, and to relate these trends to directives and recommendations from national authorities.

The study included two scoping review studies and two empirical studies. The scoping studies reviewed published data in electronic databases as well as Swedish recommendations and directives in the field.

During the past decade, recommendations have been developed regarding antipsychotic medication in Sweden. These recommendations were generic at first, but have become increasingly specific and restrictive with time. The scoping review showed that treatment with antipsychotic drugs varied between 6% and 38%, and was higher in younger older persons and those with moderate cognitive impairment and living in nursing homes for people with dementia. A trend towards a decrease in antipsychotic use has been seen over the last 15 years. The empirical studies showed that the medication with antipsychotics decreased from 23.4% in 2001 to 11.5% in 2007, for older people in general as well as for older people with dementia. Among older people with dementia, 10% were utilizing antipsychotic medication, with no difference between those cared for at home and those in nursing homes.

Directives from Swedish national authorities seem to have had an impact on antipsychotic medication for people with dementia. Treatment with antipsychotic medication has decreased, while other psychotropic medication has increased. National directives may possibly be even more effective, if applied in combination with systematic follow-ups.