Researchers were able to compare outcomes (mortality and survival rates) over a follow-up period of 1 to 3 ½ years.
	Regardless of the duration of follow-up, the highest mortality rates occurred among the chronic users of antipsychotics:  25% were dead within 1 year,
	74% were dead within 3 ½ years.
	In contrast, the cessation of antipsychotic drug therapy was associated with significantly higher rates of survival:  79% surviving at 1 year, 47% surviving after 3 ½ years.
	Key Point:
	The withdrawal of antipsychotic drug therapy from demented patients was associated with significantly higher rates of extended survival.