Reason for posting: The burden of de-

mentia is staggering — over 8 % of the population over the age of 65 is affected1 — and behavioural distur-bances that often accompany dementia (including physical aggression, halluci-nations, wandering, yelling, throwing and vocalizations)2 are distressing for caregivers and patients alike.3 Acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors may play a role in slowing the cognitive decline of patients with Alzheimer’s disease,4 but low-dose therapy with antipsychotic agents (including risperidone) is often used to control behavioural problems.5 However, a recent analysis by th