People with dementia in nursing homes are prescribed more risperidone, buprenorphine and trimethoprim than their peers without cognitive problems, an Australian study suggests.

However, they also receive fewer cardiovascular and respiratory medications.

Dementia patients are more than nine times more likely than a person without dementia to be on the antipsychotic risperidone, according to the study of more than 900 nursing home residents. 

About two-thirds of the patients had dementia and one-quarter were taking the antipsychotic.