Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Kales et al (2007)
•23,436 patients (national database)       
•
•≥ 65 years of age
•
•diagnosis of dementia in 2002 or 2003
•
•12-month mortality risk after starting a
•psychiatric drug 
•
In 2007, investigators affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs reported the 12-month mortality rates for all retired veterans who received a diagnosis of dementia in fiscal year 2002 or 2003.

Study design:
The study identified dementia patients from a national database of veterans (23,436 individuals) who were 65 years of age or older.

Excluded from the investigation:
   any patient who had used psychiatric drugs in the 6 months                 preceding the diagnosis of dementia

   any patient who had previous or new diagnoses of a seizure    disorder

    any patient who received treatment with lithium