NYMC Faculty Publications
Real-World Medication Treatment Patterns for Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia-Related Psychosis
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1177/23337214211016565
Journal Title
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine
First Page
23337214211016565
Last Page
23337214211016565
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2021
Department
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Objectives: This study evaluated treatment patterns and factors associated with medication treatment changes in residents with dementia-related psychosis in a long-term care (LTC) setting. Methods: A retrospective database cohort study was conducted using the national PharMerica® database and included dementia residents with or without incident psychosis. Treatment patterns were assessed and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with any treatment change (discontinuation, switch, or sporadic use) in dementia-related psychosis therapy. Results: Among 11,921 residents with incident dementia-related psychosis, 11,246 (94.3%) were prescribed ≥1 index medication to treat psychosis, including 77.3% who received ≥1 typical or atypical antipsychotic. Treatment change was evaluated during the post-index period: 38.7% of residents with dementia-related psychosis discontinued treatment, 13.9% switched treatments, and 7.9% had sporadic use. Factors associated with treatment change were age ≥65 years, Medicare insurance, and comorbid conditions (anemia, coronary heart disease, diabetes, falls, depression, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia) during the pre-index period. Discussion: Approximately 60% of dementia-related psychosis LTC residents experienced a medication treatment change. This treatment change was associated with higher age and higher comorbidities. Medications that treat symptoms of dementia-related psychosis without adding to safety concerns are needed to facilitate long-term, consistent treatment.
Recommended Citation
Rashid, N., Abler, V., Andes, S., & Citrome, L. (2021). Real-World Medication Treatment Patterns for Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia-Related Psychosis. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, 7, 23337214211016565-23337214211016565. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211016565