Increased prudence with the use of neuroleptic agents is essential in DLBs because the use of these agents is associated with physical and cognitive decline and increased mortality. While neuroleptic sensitivity has been reported with the use of both typical and atypical antipsychotic medications, these medications are often necessary for the treatment of psychotic symptoms. Decreases in neuroleptic sensitivity can often be achieved by dose reductions, although neuroleptic discontinuation is sometimes necessary. Cholinesterase inhibitors may be especially useful in the treatment of DLB. Cholinergic deficits are associated with visual hallucinations, and cholinesterase inhibitors often result in resolution of hallucinations, improved cognition, and decreased behavioral disturbances.

Costs of community care were significantly lower than hospital care. Quality of life for patients in the community settings versus the hospital was not assessed. The ECS program was able to maintain high-risk geropsychiatric patients in the community comparably to less severely ill patients at less than hospital costs. Recommendations are provided for ways to establish community treatment programs for deinstitutionalized elderly patients with serious mental illness.