Despite a political goal to halve the use of antipsychotic medication for individuals with dementia by 2025, there has been no progress over the past seven years. In 2016, 16 percent of Danes suffering from dementia received this medication, and that figure has remained unchanged in 2023, according to statistics from the Danish Health Data Authority (Sundhedsdatastyrelsen). This stagnation has raised concerns among experts.

Gunhild Waldemar, head of the National Dementia Center (Nationalt Videnscenter for Demens), expresses significant frustration over the lack of effectiveness of the national dementia action plan. Waldemar emphasizes that individuals with dementia are particularly vulnerable to the side effects of antipsychotic medication, which can include drowsiness, an increased risk of blood clots, and a notably higher risk of mortality.

The National Dementia Center estimates that around 96,000 Danes over the age of 65 suffer from dementia, a number expected to rise with the aging population. The original dementia action plan from 2016, which was adopted under the leadership of the current Minister of Health, Sophie Løhde, included 23 specific initiatives and a total budget of 470 million Danish kroner (approximately 67 million USD). A key goal was to reduce the consumption of antipsychotic medication for this patient group by 50 percent by 2025.

Sophie Løhde acknowledges that efforts to date have not been sufficient but stresses that there is still focus on reducing the use of this type of medication. She mentions that the government has launched several new initiatives, including earmarked funds for improved monitoring, which aim to provide a more accurate picture of medication use among individuals with dementia.

“We must not lower our ambitions,” Løhde states, highlighting the need for continued efforts in this area. Although time is running out to meet the ambitious target by 2025, there is still hope that these new measures can reverse the current trend.