A bitter pill to swallow - Polypharmacy and psychotropic treatment in people with advanced dementia

BMC Geriatrics

Carola Roßmeier¹  Lina Riedl¹  Julia Fischer¹  Josef Priller¹  Julia Hartmann¹  Janine Diehl-Schmid¹  Esther Kiesel²  Monika Trojan²  Bernhard Haller³  Victoria Kehl⁴ 

[1] School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich;School of Medicine, Hospital Pharmacy, Technical University of Munich;School of Medicine, Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Technical University of Munich;School of Medicine, Münchner Studienzentrum, Munich Germany, Technical University of Munich;

关键词: YOD;    LOD;    Palliative care;    Advanced dementia;    Antipsychotics;    Psychotropic drugs;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-022-02914-x

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Polypharmacy is common in people with dementia. The use of psychotropic drugs (PDs) and other, potentially inappropriate medications is high. The aims of this cross-sectional study were 1) to investigate the use of drugs in people with advanced dementia (PWAD), living at home or in long term care (LTC); 2) to focus on PD use; and 3) to identify determinants of PD use. Methods The study was performed in the context of EPYLOGE (IssuEs in Palliative care for people in advanced and terminal stages of YOD and LOD in Germany). 191 PWAD were included. All drugs that were administered at the date of the examination were recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified determinants of PD use. Results 96% of PWAD received medication with a median number of four drugs. 49.7% received five or more drugs. According to the Beers Criteria 39% of PWAD ≥ 65 years received at least one potentially inappropriate medication. 79% of PWAD were treated with PDs. Older PWAD and PWAD living in LTC facilities received significantly more drugs than younger PWAD, and PWAD living at home, respectively. Dementia etiology was significantly associated with the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants and sedative substances. Place of living was associated with the use of pain medication. Behavioral disturbances were associated with the use of antipsychotics and sedative substances. Conclusions To mitigate the dangers of polypharmacy and medication related harm, critical examination is required, whether a drug is indicated or not. Also, the deprescribing of drugs should be considered on a regular basis. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT03364179 . Registered 6 December 2017.

【 授权许可】

Unknown