Pharmacotherapy of Persons with Dementia in Long-term Care in Australia: A Descriptive Audit of Central Nervous System Medications

Title:Pharmacotherapy of Persons with Dementia in Long-term Care in Australia: A Descriptive Audit of Central Nervous System Medications

Volume: 12 Issue: 2

Author(s): Wendy Moyle*, Najwan El Saifi, Brian Draper, Cindy Jones, Elizabeth Beattie, David Shum, Lukman Thalib, Cindy Mervin and Siobhan O’Dwyer

Affiliation:

• Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, 2.10 Health Sciences (N48), 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111,Australia

Keywords: Dementia, drug interactions, geriatrics, long-term care, medication, prescribing.

Abstract: Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia are often treated through the prescription of one or more psychotropic medications. However, limited efficacy and potential harmful side-effects has resulted in efforts to reduce the use of psychotropic medication in this population, particularly for those living in long-term care.

Objectives: This study sought to describe the pattern of central nervous system medication usage in older adults with dementia living in long-term care; assess the appropriateness of prescribing against Beers criteria; and detect potential drug interactions from co-administered medications.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive audit of the medical records of n=415 residents, aged >60 years with a diagnosis of dementia, from 28 long-term care facilities in Queensland, Australia. Information extracted included the types and usage of regular and Pro Re Nata central nervous system medications.

Results: Of those taking medication (n=317), 68% were prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medication, and there was a significant positive correlation between the number of medications prescribed and the number of potentially inappropriate medications. Two-hundred potential interactions with variable severity were identified from 130 residents on ≥ 1 medication – 38% were potentially severe interactions, 46% were moderate.

Conclusion: This medication audit raises concerns that prescription of medications may still be the first resort to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. There is a need for effective and sustainable person-centred interventions that address barriers for appropriate prescribing practice, and involve the collaboration of all healthcare professionals to optimise prescribing and improve the quality of medicines in older people with dementia.

Cite this article as:

Moyle Wendy *, El Saifi Najwan, Draper Brian, Jones Cindy, Beattie Elizabeth, Shum David , Thalib Lukman, Mervin Cindy and O’Dwyer Siobhan , Pharmacotherapy of Persons with Dementia in Long-term Care in Australia: A Descriptive Audit of Central Nervous System Medications, Current Drug Safety 2017; 12 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574886312666170209113203

DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574886312666170209113203	Print ISSN 1574-8863
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher	Online ISSN 2212-3911