Julie Dopheide, PharmD, BCPP, FASHP, FAAPP

Panelists discuss how the use of both clinician- and patient-reported scales—such as the Impact TD scale, TDIS, and Impact TD Pro—enhances understanding of tardive dyskinesia’s true impact on daily functioning and quality of life, emphasizing the importance of incorporating patient perspectives to guide early, personalized treatment strategies that improve physical symptoms and overall well-being.

Panelists discuss how tardive dyskinesia in older adults often goes unrecognized due to symptom overlap with normal aging, underscoring the importance of early screening, timely intervention with evidence-based treatments like VMAT2 inhibitors, and a multidisciplinary approach to preserve function, independence, and mental well-being.

Panelists discuss how the progression of undiagnosed or untreated tardive dyskinesia in older adults can severely compromise independence and quality of life, emphasizing the need for early recognition, risk factor management, and a multidisciplinary approach—including pharmacists—to ensure timely, individualized, and balanced treatment.

Panelists discuss how enhancing the management of tardive dyskinesia in older patients involves recognizing subtle clinical signs, addressing mental health stigma, and leveraging the pivotal role of pharmacists in early detection, patient education, and coordinated, compassionate care.