Title | Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medication in People with Dementia: A Nationwide Study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2018 |
Authors | Kristensen, RUnderlien, Nørgaard, A, Jensen-Dahm, C, Gasse, C, Wimberley, T, Waldemar, G |
Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
Volume | 63 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 383-394 |
Date Published | 2018 |
ISSN | 1875-8908 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy (use of ≥5 different medications) and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) are well-known risk factors for numerous negative health outcomes. However, the use of polypharmacy and PIM in people with dementia is not well-described. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM in older people with and without dementia in a nationwide population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of the Danish population aged ≥65 in 2014 (n = 1,032,120) based on register data, including information on diagnoses and dispensed prescriptions. Polypharmacy and PIM use among people with (n = 35,476) and without dementia (n = 994,231) were compared, stratified by living situation and adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidity. The red-yellow-green list from the Danish Institute for Rational Pharmacotherapy and the German PRISCUS list were used to define PIM. RESULTS: People with dementia were more frequently exposed to polypharmacy (dementia: 62.6% versus no-dementia: 35.1%, p CONCLUSION: Use of polypharmacy and PIM were widespread in the older population and more so in people with dementia. This could have negative implications for patient-safety and demonstrates the need for interventions to improve drug therapy in people with dementia. |
DOI | 10.3233/JAD-170905 |
Alternate Journal | J. Alzheimers Dis. |
PubMed ID | 29578483 |