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Fukuda H, Maeda M, Murata F, Murata Y. Anti-Dementia Drug Persistence Following Donepezil Initiation Among Alzheimer's Disease Patients in Japan: LIFE Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1177-1186. [PMID: 36213993 PMCID: PMC9741733 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donepezil is frequently used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms but is associated with early discontinuation. Determining the persistence rates of anti-dementia drug use after donepezil initiation may inform the development and improvement of treatment strategies, but there is little evidence from Japan. OBJECTIVE To determine anti-dementia drug persistence following donepezil initiation among AD patients in Japan using insurance claims data. METHODS Insurance claims data for AD patients with newly prescribed donepezil were obtained from 17 municipalities between April 2014 and October 2021. Anti-dementia drug persistence was defined as a gap of ≤60 days between the last donepezil prescription and a subsequent prescription of donepezil, another cholinesterase inhibitor, or memantine. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the association between care needs levels and discontinuation. RESULTS We analyzed 20,474 AD patients (mean age±standard deviation: 82.2±6.3 years, women: 65.7%). The persistence rates were 89.1% at 30 days, 79.4% at 90 days, 72.6% at 180 days, 64.5% at 360 days, and 58.3% at 540 days after initiation. Among the care needs levels, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for discontinuation was 1.01 (0.94-1.07) for patients with support needs, 1.12 (1.06-1.18) for patients with low long-term care needs, and 1.31 (1.21-1.40) for patients with moderate-to-high long-term care needs relative to independent patients. CONCLUSION Japanese AD patients demonstrated low anti-dementia drug persistence rates that were similar to those of other countries. Higher long-term care needs were associated with discontinuation. Further measures are needed to improve drug persistence in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhisa Fukuda
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan,Correspondence to: Haruhisa Fukuda, MPH, PhD, Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. Tel.: +81 92 642 6956; Fax: +81 92 642 6961; E-mail:
| | - Megumi Maeda
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Fumiko Murata
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
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Jaakkimainen L, Duchen R, Lix L, Al-Azazi S, Yu B, Butt D, Park SB, Widdifield J. Identification of Early Onset Dementia in Population-Based Health Administrative Data: A Validation Study Using Primary Care Electronic Medical Records. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:1463-1472. [PMID: 36057820 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early onset dementia (EOD) occurs when symptoms of dementia begin between 45 to 64 years of age. OBJECTIVE We developed and validated health administrative data algorithms for EOD and compared demographic characteristics and presence of comorbid conditions amongst adults with EOD, late onset dementia (LOD) and adults with no dementia in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Patients aged 45 to 64 years identified as having EOD in their primary care electronic medical records had their records linked to provincial health administrative data. We compared several combinations of physician's claims, hospitalizations, emergency department visits and prescriptions. Age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of EOD were estimated from 1996 to 2016. RESULTS The prevalence of EOD for adults aged 45 to 64 years in our primary care reference cohort was 0.12% . An algorithm of ≥1 hospitalization or ≥3 physician claims at least 30 days apart in a two-year period or ≥1 dementia medication had a sensitivity of 72.9% (64.5-81.3), specificity of 99.7% (99.7-99.8), positive predictive value (PPV) of 23.7% (19.1-28.3), and negative predictive value of 100.0% . Multivariate logistic regression found adults with EOD had increased odds ratios for several health conditions compared to LOD and no dementia populations. From 1996 to 2016, the age-adjusted incidence rate increased slightly (0.055 to 0.061 per 100 population) and the age-adjusted prevalence rate increased three-fold (0.11 to 0.32 per 100 population). CONCLUSION While we developed a health administrative data algorithm for EOD with a reasonable sensitivity, its low PPV limits its ability to be used for population surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Jaakkimainen
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raquel Duchen
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Lix
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Saeed Al-Azazi
- Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bing Yu
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debra Butt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Scarborough Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Su-Bin Park
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Widdifield
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Parsons C, Lim WY, Loy C, McGuinness B, Passmore P, Ward SA, Hughes C. Withdrawal or continuation of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine or both, in people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 2:CD009081. [PMID: 35608903 PMCID: PMC8094886 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009081.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive syndrome characterised by deterioration in memory, thinking and behaviour, and by impaired ability to perform daily activities. Two classes of drug - cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) and memantine - are widely licensed for dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, and rivastigmine is also licensed for Parkinson's disease dementia. These drugs are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and delay disease progression in these and sometimes in other forms of dementia. There are uncertainties about the benefits and adverse effects of these drugs in the long term and in severe dementia, about effects of withdrawal, and about the most appropriate time to discontinue treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of withdrawal or continuation of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, or both, in people with dementia on: cognitive, neuropsychiatric and functional outcomes, rates of institutionalisation, adverse events, dropout from trials, mortality, quality of life and carer-related outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register up to 17 October 2020 using terms appropriate for the retrieval of studies of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. The Specialised Register contains records of clinical trials identified from monthly searches of a number of major healthcare databases, numerous trial registries and grey literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) which compared withdrawal of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, or both, with continuation of the same drug or drugs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed citations and full-text articles for inclusion, extracted data from included trials and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Where trials were sufficiently similar, we pooled data for outcomes in the short term (up to 2 months after randomisation), medium term (3-11 months) and long term (12 months or more). We assessed the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included six trials investigating cholinesterase inhibitor withdrawal, and one trial investigating withdrawal of either donepezil or memantine. No trials assessed withdrawal of memantine only. Drugs were withdrawn abruptly in five trials and stepwise in two trials. All participants had dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, with severities ranging from mild to very severe, and were taking cholinesterase inhibitors without known adverse effects at baseline. The included trials randomised 759 participants to treatment groups relevant to this review. Study duration ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. There were too few included studies to allow planned subgroup analyses. We considered some studies to be at unclear or high risk of selection, performance, detection, attrition or reporting bias. Compared to continuing cholinesterase inhibitors, discontinuing treatment may be associated with worse cognitive function in the short term (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.64 to -0.21; 4 studies; low certainty), but the effect in the medium term is very uncertain (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.87 to 0.07; 3 studies; very low certainty). In a sensitivity analysis omitting data from a study which only included participants who had shown a relatively poor prior response to donepezil, inconsistency was reduced and we found that cognitive function may be worse in the discontinuation group in the medium term (SMD -0.62; 95% CI -0.94 to -0.31). Data from one longer-term study suggest that discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor is probably associated with worse cognitive function at 12 months (mean difference (MD) -2.09 Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) points, 95% CI -3.43 to -0.75; moderate certainty). Discontinuation may make little or no difference to functional status in the short term (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.04; 2 studies; low certainty), and its effect in the medium term is uncertain (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.01; 2 studies; very low certainty). After 12 months, discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor probably results in greater functional impairment than continuing treatment (MD -3.38 Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADLS) points, 95% CI -6.67 to -0.10; one study; moderate certainty). Discontinuation may be associated with a worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms over the short term and medium term, although we cannot exclude a minimal effect (SMD - 0.48, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.13; 2 studies; low certainty; and SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.08; 3 studies; low certainty, respectively). Data from one study suggest that discontinuing a cholinesterase inhibitor may result in little to no change in neuropsychiatric status at 12 months (MD -0.87 Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) points; 95% CI -8.42 to 6.68; moderate certainty). We found no clear evidence of an effect of discontinuation on dropout due to lack of medication efficacy or deterioration in overall medical condition (odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.76; 4 studies; low certainty), on number of adverse events (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.27; 4 studies; low certainty) or serious adverse events (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.39; 4 studies; low certainty), and on mortality (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.55; 5 studies; low certainty). Institutionalisation was reported in one trial, but it was not possible to extract data for the groups relevant to this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that discontinuing cholinesterase inhibitors may result in worse cognitive, neuropsychiatric and functional status than continuing treatment, although this is supported by limited evidence, almost all of low or very low certainty. As all participants had dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, our findings are not transferable to other dementia types. We were unable to determine whether the effects of discontinuing cholinesterase inhibitors differed with baseline dementia severity. There is currently no evidence to guide decisions about discontinuing memantine. There is a need for further well-designed RCTs, across a range of dementia severities and settings. We are aware of two ongoing registered trials. In making decisions about discontinuing these drugs, clinicians should exercise caution, considering the evidence from existing trials along with other factors important to patients and their carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Wei Yin Lim
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Clement Loy
- Brain and Mind Centre and Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Peter Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Stephanie A Ward
- Monash Aging Research Center, The Kingston Centre, Cheltenham, Australia
| | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Maclagan LC, Bronskill SE, Campitelli MA, Yao S, Dharma C, Hogan DB, Herrmann N, Amuah JE, Maxwell CJ. Resident-Level Predictors of Dementia Pharmacotherapy at Long-Term Care Admission: The Impact of Different Drug Reimbursement Policies in Ontario and Saskatchewan: Prédicteurs de la pharmacothérapie de la démence au niveau des résidents lors de l'hospitalisation dans des soins de longue durée : l'impact de différentes politiques de remboursement des médicaments en Ontario et en Saskatchewan. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 65:790-801. [PMID: 32274934 PMCID: PMC7564697 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720909293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are approved for Alzheimer disease in Canada. Regional drug reimbursement policies are associated with cross-provincial variation in ChEI use, but it is unclear how these policies influence predictors of use. Using standardized data from two provinces with differing policies, we compared resident-level characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy at long-term care (LTC) admission. METHODS Using linked clinical and administrative databases, we examined characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy use among residents with dementia and/or significant cognitive impairment admitted to LTC facilities in Saskatchewan (more restrictive reimbursement policies; n = 10,599) and Ontario (less restrictive; n = 93,331) between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2015. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to assess resident demographic, functional, and clinical characteristics associated with dementia pharmacotherapy. RESULTS On admission, 8.1% of Saskatchewan residents were receiving dementia pharmacotherapy compared to 33.2% in Ontario. In both provinces, residents with severe cognitive impairment, aggressive behaviors, and recent antipsychotic use were more likely to receive dementia pharmacotherapy; while those who were unmarried, admitted in later years, had a greater degree of frailty, and recent hospitalizations were less likely. The direction of the association for older age, rural residency, medication number, and anticholinergic therapy differed between provinces. CONCLUSIONS While more restrictive criteria for dementia pharmacotherapy coverage in Saskatchewan resulted in fewer residents entering LTC on dementia pharmacotherapy, there were relatively few differences in the factors associated with use across provinces. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess how differences in prevalence and characteristics associated with use impact patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan E. Bronskill
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Programs, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Shenzhen Yao
- Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - David B. Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Programs, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph E. Amuah
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen J. Maxwell
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Zhu L, Rochon PA, Gruneir A, Wu W, Giannakeas V, Austin PC, Stall NM, McCarthy L, Alberga A, Herrmann N, Gill SS, Bronskill SE. Sex Differences in the Prevalent Use of Oral Formulations of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Older Adults with Dementia. Drugs Aging 2019; 36:875-884. [PMID: 31309528 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are one of only two drug therapies available to manage cognitive decline in dementia. Given sex-specific differences in medication access and effects, it is important to understand how ChEIs are used by women and men. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to provide contemporary sex-stratified evidence on patterns of ChEI use by community-dwelling older adults with dementia to inform opportunities to optimize drug prescribing. METHODS We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study examining ChEI use in older adults with dementia in Ontario, Canada. We identified all community-dwelling individuals aged 66 years and older with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia as of 1 April, 2016. We examined the prevalence of ChEI use among women and men separately, and explored the association between ChEI use and age, sex, income status, geographic location of residence, use of palliative care services, comorbidity, and polypharmacy. Concurrent use of drugs known to impair cognition (including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and medications with strong anticholinergic properties) was separately assessed among women and men using multivariable analyses and prevalence risk ratios. RESULTS Of 74,799 women and 52,231 men living with dementia in the community, nearly 30% currently were using a ChEI (29.3% women, 28.6% men). Close to 70% of users were receiving the target therapeutic dose. Compared to men, women were less often taking the target therapeutic dose (67.8% women vs. 71.6% men, p < 0.001). Over 20% of users also were using drugs known to impair cognition, while being treated for cognitive decline using ChEIs. Compared to men, women were more often concurrently using drugs known to impair cognition (23.9% women vs. 21.8% men, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies of ChEI use to account for important sex differences. The results remind clinicians and researchers that patterns of ChEI therapy use differ by sex, as women were less likely to receive target therapeutic doses and more vulnerable to potentially problematic polypharmacy than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Zhu
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Paula A Rochon
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 2109, 1 King's College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 4th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Andrea Gruneir
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 6-10 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Wei Wu
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Vasily Giannakeas
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Peter C Austin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 4th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Nathan M Stall
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 2109, 1 King's College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 4th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Lisa McCarthy
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Amanda Alberga
- ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Sudeep S Gill
- ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Etherington Hall, Rooms 3032-3043, 94 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2, Canada. .,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 4th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada. .,ICES, G1 06, G-Wing, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
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Maclagan LC, Bronskill SE, Guan J, Campitelli MA, Herrmann N, Lapane KL, Hogan DB, Amuah JE, Seitz DP, Gill SS, Maxwell CJ. Predictors of Cholinesterase Discontinuation during the First Year after Nursing Home Admission. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2018; 19:959-966.e4. [PMID: 30262440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For persons with dementia, the appropriate duration of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) use remains unclear. We examined patterns of ChEI use during nursing home (NH) transition and the factors associated with discontinuation following admission. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative and Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Dataset, version 2.0 databases. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 47,851 older adults (mean age = 84.8 years, standard deviation = 6.8) with dementia newly admitted to a NH in Ontario, Canada between 2011 and 2015. MEASUREMENTS ChEI use at admission and during the following year was identified from prescription claims. Resident sociodemographic and health characteristics at admission, including a 72-item frailty index, were derived from the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Dataset 2.0. Additional resident and prescriber characteristics were derived from administrative data. Discontinuation was defined as a 30+-day gap in ChEI supply. Multivariable subdistribution hazard models were used to estimate the independent effect of resident frailty and other factors on ChEI discontinuation. RESULTS Approximately one-third (17,560) of residents with dementia were on a ChEI at admission. Among this group, 17.7% (3110) discontinued use over follow-up. Incidence of discontinuation was significantly higher among residents with syncope [subdistribution hazard ratio, sHR = 2.21, 95% confidence interval, CI (1.52, 3.22)], more severe behavioral symptoms [sHR = 1.79, 95% CI (1.57, 2.05)], cognitive impairment [sHR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.07, 1.48)], higher frailty, [sHR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.04, 1.36)], and a primary prescriber active in the NH [sHR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.14, 1.45)]. A significantly lower incidence was observed for older and unmarried residents and those with a longer duration of use. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Less than one-fifth of residents on a ChEI at admission discontinued use during the following year. Although some of the predictors of discontinuation align with past research and current clinical recommendations, others were unexpected and point to novel drivers of ChEI use. Future investigations should explore the varied reasons underlying these associations and resident outcomes associated with ChEI discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Maclagan
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Guan
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nathan Herrmann
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate L Lapane
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - David B Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph E Amuah
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dallas P Seitz
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sudeep S Gill
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen J Maxwell
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Sourdet S, Rochette C, de Souto Barreto P, Nourhashemi F, Piau A, Vellas B, Rolland Y. Drug Prescriptions in Nursing Home Residents during their Last 6 Months of Life: Data from the IQUARE Study. J Nutr Health Aging 2018; 22:904-910. [PMID: 30272091 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-018-1071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the drug prescriptions of nursing home (NH) residents during the 6 months prior to their death, and the impact of the recognition of « life expectancy lower than 6 months » by the NH staff on the prescriptions. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING 175 nursing homes in France. PARTICIPANTS 6275 residents were included from May to June 2011. MEASUREMENTS The initial drug prescriptions of the residents who deceased within 6 months were compared with those who did not decease. Among the residents deceased within 6 months, the drug prescriptions were compared between the residents who were «considered at the end of their life» and those who were not. Potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) were analyzed using Laroche criteria and a list of therapies considered as inappropriate at the end of life. RESULTS 498 residents (7.9%) died within 6 months after their inclusion: they had significantly more therapies (8.3 ± 3.8 vs. 7.9 ± 3.5, p=0.048) than non-deceased people. Sixty-one of the residents deceased within 6 months were considered by the NH staff as «end of life residents » (12.2%). They received significantly less drugs (6.4 ± 4.2 vs 8.5 ± 3.6, p<0.001) than NH's residents not identified at the end of their life. They had a more frequent prescription of opioids (p<0.001), and less antipsychotics (p<0.001), lipid-lowering drugs (p=0.006), or antihypertensive therapies (p<0.01). They also received significantly less PIP (59.0% received at least one inappropriate prescription, vs. 87.2%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION An important proportion of nursing home residents received PIP. The quality of prescriptions in patients identified at the end of their life seems to improve, but more than half still receive inappropriate drugs. Special attention in prescribing should be given to these patients presenting a high risk of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sourdet
- S Sourdet, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, France,
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8
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Mohammad D, Chan P, Bradley J, Lanctôt K, Herrmann N. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating dementia symptoms - a safety evaluation. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 16:1009-1019. [PMID: 28678552 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2017.1351540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to rise, while treatment options for cognitive impairment are limited. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) aim to provide symptomatic benefit for cognitive decline, however these drugs are not without adverse events (AEs). The safety profile of each drug must be taken carefully into consideration before being prescribed, as new dosages and formulations have recently been approved. Areas covered: Donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine are the three AChEIs approved for the treatment of varying stages of AD. Numerous clinical trials and post-marketing studies have evaluated the safety of these medications. This article will review the safety, efficacy and tolerability of these drugs in treating AD. Topics including pharmacovigilance databases, concomitant drug interactions, prescribing cascades, and treatment discontinuation are also covered. Expert opinion: AChEI use in those with mild, moderate or severe AD provide modest improvements in cognition, function and behavior. The pharmacological treatment of AD using AChEIs is associated with generally mild AEs. Differences in drug formulations should be taken into account when determining the most appropriate route of administration for each individual. Furthermore, discontinuation of AChEIs must be carefully monitored as it may be associated with worsening cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Mohammad
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Parco Chan
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Janelle Bradley
- b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Krista Lanctôt
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- b Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program , Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
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Matlow JN, Bronskill SE, Gruneir A, Bell CM, Stall NM, Herrmann N, Seitz DP, Gill SS, Austin PC, Fischer HD, Fung K, Wu W, Rochon PA. Use of Medications of Questionable Benefit at the End of Life in Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:1535-1542. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N. Matlow
- Women's College Research Institute Women's College HospitalToronto Ontario Canada
- Faculty of Medicine University of TorontoUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan E. Bronskill
- Women's College Research Institute Women's College HospitalToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of TorontoToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
| | - Andrea Gruneir
- Women's College Research Institute Women's College HospitalToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of TorontoToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
- Department of Family Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton, AlbertaOntario Canada
| | - Chaim M. Bell
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of TorontoToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Nathan M. Stall
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry University of Toronto TorontoOntario Canada
| | - Dallas P. Seitz
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Kingston Ontario
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry, Queen's UniversityQueen's University Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - Sudeep S. Gill
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Kingston Ontario
- Department of Medicine Queen's University Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - Peter C. Austin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of TorontoToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
| | - Hadas D. Fischer
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
| | - Kinwah Fung
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
| | - Wei Wu
- Women's College Research Institute Women's College HospitalToronto Ontario Canada
| | - Paula A. Rochon
- Women's College Research Institute Women's College HospitalToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of TorontoToronto Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences TorontoOntario Canada
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Campbell NL, Perkins AJ, Gao S, Skaar TC, Li L, Hendrie HC, Fowler N, Callahan CM, Boustani MA. Adherence and Tolerability of Alzheimer's Disease Medications: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:1497-1504. [PMID: 28295141 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Post-marketing comparative trials describe medication use patterns in diverse, real-world populations. Our objective was to determine if differences in rates of adherence and tolerability exist among new users to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI's). DESIGN Pragmatic randomized, open label comparative trial of AChEI's currently available in the United States. SETTING Four memory care practices within four healthcare systems in the greater Indianapolis area. PARTICIPANTS Eligibility criteria included older adults with a diagnosis of possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were initiating treatment with an AChEI. Participants were required to have a caregiver to complete assessments, access to a telephone, and be able to understand English. Exclusion criteria consisted of a prior severe adverse event from AChEIs. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to one of three AChEIs in a 1:1:1 ratio and followed for 18 weeks. MEASUREMENTS Caregiver-reported adherence, defined as taking or not taking study medication, and caregiver-reported adverse events, defined as the presence of an adverse event. RESULTS 196 participants were included with 74.0% female, 30.6% African Americans, and 72.9% who completed at least twelfth grade. Discontinuation rates after 18 weeks were 38.8% for donepezil, 53.0% for galantamine, and 58.7% for rivastigmine (P = .063) in the intent to treat analysis. Adverse events and cost explained 73.1% and 25.4% of discontinuation. No participants discontinued donepezil due to cost. Adverse events were reported by 81.2% of all participants; no between-group differences in total adverse events were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS This pragmatic comparative trial showed high rates of adverse events and cost-related non-adherence with AChEIs. Interventions improving adherence and persistence to AChEIs may improve AD management. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01362686 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01362686).
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Affiliation(s)
- Noll L Campbell
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University School of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Anthony J Perkins
- Center for Healthcare Innovation and Implementation Science, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Todd C Skaar
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Hugh C Hendrie
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nicole Fowler
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Christopher M Callahan
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Malaz A Boustani
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.,Center for Healthcare Innovation and Implementation Science, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Fisher A, Carney G, Bassett K, Dormuth CR. Tolerability of Cholinesterase Inhibitors: A Population-Based Study of Persistence, Adherence, and Switching. Drugs Aging 2017; 34:221-231. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-017-0438-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Jaakkimainen RL, Bronskill SE, Tierney MC, Herrmann N, Green D, Young J, Ivers N, Butt D, Widdifield J, Tu K. Identification of Physician-Diagnosed Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Population-Based Administrative Data: A Validation Study Using Family Physicians’ Electronic Medical Records. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 54:337-49. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-160105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Liisa Jaakkimainen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mary C. Tierney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Primary Care Research Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Diane Green
- Performance Management, Cancer Screening, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Noah Ivers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Debra Butt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Scarborough Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Widdifield
- Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Western Family Health Team, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Reppas-Rindlisbacher CE, Fischer HD, Fung K, Gill SS, Seitz D, Tannenbaum C, Austin PC, Rochon PA. Anticholinergic Drug Burden in Persons with Dementia Taking a Cholinesterase Inhibitor: The Effect of Multiple Physicians. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:492-500. [PMID: 27000323 PMCID: PMC4819524 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To explore the association between the number of physicians providing care and anticholinergic drug burden in older persons newly initiated on cholinesterase inhibitor therapy for the management of dementia. Design Population‐based cross‐sectional study. Setting Community and long‐term care, Ontario, Canada. Participants Community‐dwelling (n = 79,067, mean age 81.0, 60.8% female) and long‐term care residing (n = 12,113, mean age 84.3, 67.2% female) older adults (≥66) newly dispensed cholinesterase inhibitor drug therapy. Measurements Anticholinergic drug burden in the prior year measured using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale. Results Community‐dwelling participants had seen an average of eight different physicians in the prior year. The odds of high anticholinergic drug burden (Anticholinergic Risk Scale score ≥ 2) were 24% higher for every five additional physicians providing care to individuals in the prior year (adjusted odds ratio = 1.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.21–1.26). Female sex, low‐income status, previous hospitalization, and higher comorbidity score were also associated with high anticholinergic drug burden. Long‐term care facility residents had seen an average of 10 different physicians in the prior year. After a sensitivity analysis, the association between high anticholinergic burden and number of physicians was no longer statistically significant in the long‐term care group. Conclusion In older adults newly started on cholinesterase inhibitor drug therapy, greater number of physicians providing care was associated with higher anticholinergic drug burden scores. Given the potential risks of anticholinergic drug use, improved communication among physicians and an anticholinergic medication review before prescribing a new drug are important strategies to improve prescribing quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Reppas-Rindlisbacher
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hadas D Fischer
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kinwah Fung
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sudeep S Gill
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Queen's, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dallas Seitz
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Queen's, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cara Tannenbaum
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter C Austin
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula A Rochon
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Hernández-Arroyo MJ, Díaz-Madero A. [Risk/benefit assessment in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Drug interactions]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2016; 51:191-195. [PMID: 26775172 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anticholinergic drugs reduce the efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) and are inappropriate in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of prescription AChEI drugs and anticholinergics in a Healthcare Area, to identify the affected patients, and to inform the attending physicians, in order to evaluate the suitability of treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional observational study of prevalence. Patients on treatment with AChEI and any anticholinergic drug in the first quarter of 2015 were selected. The review of Duran et al. was used as reference to identify anticholinergics, assigning a score to each drug according to its anticholinergic potency. Physicians were provided with a report about the interaction, the list of affected patients, and recommendations. RESULTS A total of 486 patients were included in the study, representing 59.0% of total patients with Alzheimer's disease in the Area. There were 66.0% women, and 86.8% of the patients were older than 75 years, and with a mean of 9.2 drugs per patient. The mean number of anticholinergic drugs was 1.6, and 38.3% of patients were prescribed various anticholinergic drugs, with 23.9% on high potency anticholinergic drugs. A statistically significant association was found between taking an anticholinergic and AChEI concomitantly (P=.000; OR: 3.9). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of interactions between AChEI and anticholinergic drugs is relevant, considering that it affects vulnerable members of the population. Providing physicians with information about the interaction could help them make clinical decisions, and could improve patient safety, as well as health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfonso Díaz-Madero
- Servicio de Farmacia, Gerencia de Atención Primaria de Zamora, Zamora, España
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15
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Fisher A, Carney G, Bassett K, Chappell NL. Cholinesterase Inhibitor Utilization: The Impact of Provincial Drug Policy on Discontinuation. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2016; 19:688-696. [PMID: 27565287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2016.03.1832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2007, British Columbia started to cover the cost of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs)-donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine-for patients with mild to moderate dementia and prominent Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of this policy on persistence with ChEIs. METHODS A population-based cohort study was conducted using British Columbia administrative health data. We examined 45,537 new ChEI users aged 40 years and older between 2001 and 2012; 20,360 (45%) started the treatment after the coverage policy was launched. Patients were followed until treatment discontinuation, defined as a ChEI-free gap of 90 days, death, or December 2013. Persistence on ChEIs was estimated using survival analysis and competing risk approach. Hazards of discontinuation were compared using competing risk Cox regression with propensity adjustment. RESULTS Patients who started ChEI therapy after the introduction of the coverage policy had a significantly longer persistence. Median ChEI persistence until discontinuation or death was 9.37 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.0-39.7) and 17.6 months (95% CI 16.9-18.3) in patients who started therapy before and after the new policy, respectively. The propensity-adjusted hazard ratio for discontinuing therapy was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.94). Similar patterns were observed for persistence with the first ChEI (propensity-adjusted hazard ratio of 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.98). In rivastigmine users, the hazard ratio was insignificant (0.98; 95% CI 0.92-1.02). CONCLUSIONS The British Columbia ChEI coverage policy was associated with significantly prolonged persistence with donepezil and galantamine, but not rivastigmine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Fisher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Greg Carney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ken Bassett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Neena L Chappell
- Centre on Aging and Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Herrmann N, O'Regan J, Ruthirakuhan M, Kiss A, Eryavec G, Williams E, Lanctôt KL. A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Discontinuation Study of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Institutionalized Patients With Moderate to Severe Alzheimer Disease. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:142-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Almeida-Brasil CC, Costa JDO, Aguiar VCFDS, Moreira DP, Moraes END, Acurcio FDA, Guerra Júnior AA, Álvares J. Acesso aos medicamentos para tratamento da doença de Alzheimer fornecidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais, Brasil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2016; 32:e00060615. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00060615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resumo: Avaliou-se as barreiras de acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer com base nos processos administrativos de medicamentos inibidores da colinesterase (IChE), enviados à Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2012 e 2013. Utilizando-se informações de 165 processos selecionados aleatoriamente, abordaram-se as dimensões de acesso: acessibilidade geográfica, acomodação, aceitabilidade, disponibilidade e capacidade aquisitiva. O trâmite administrativo para o fornecimento dos IChE levou em média 39 dias e foi influenciado por características do trajeto percorrido pelo usuário. A maioria dos prescritores cumpriu menos de 80% dos critérios exigidos pelo Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) da doença de Alzheimer. Como resultado, 38% dos processos não foram deferidos. A capacidade aquisitiva para o tratamento privado mensal com IChE foi de cerca de 21 dias de salário mínimo. Conclui-se que a burocracia do trâmite administrativo e a dificuldade de seguimento do PCDT pelos prescritores prejudicam o acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer e constituem uma grande carga para o orçamento dos pacientes.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous treatment is an important indicator of medication adherence in dementia. However, long-term studies in larger clinical settings are lacking, and little is known about moderating effects of patient and service characteristics. METHODS Data from 12,910 outpatients with dementia (mean age 79.2 years; SD = 7.6 years) treated between January 2003 and December 2013 in Germany were included. Continuous treatment was analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. In addition, multivariate Cox regression models were fitted with continuous treatment as dependent variable and the predictors antidementia agent, age, gender, medical comorbidities, physician specialty, and health insurance status. RESULTS After one year of follow-up, nearly 60% of patients continued drug treatment. Donezepil (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82-0.95) and memantine (HR: 0.85; 0.79-0.91) patients were less likely to be discontinued treatment as compared to rivastigmine users. Patients were less likely to be discontinued if they were treated by specialist physicians as compared to general practitioners (HR: 0.44; 0.41-0.48). Younger male patients and patients who had private health insurance had a lower discontinuation risk. Regarding comorbidity, patients were more likely to be continuously treated with the index substance if a diagnosis of heart failure or hypertension had been diagnosed at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Our results imply that besides type of antidementia agent, involvement of a specialist in the complex process of prescribing antidementia drugs can provide meaningful benefits to patients, in terms of more disease-specific and continuous treatment.
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Sivananthan SN, Lavergne MR, McGrail KM. Caring for dementia: A population‐based study examining variations in guideline‐consistent medical care. Alzheimers Dement 2015; 11:906-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia N. Sivananthan
- UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research School of Population and Public Health Vancouver BC Canada
| | - M. Ruth Lavergne
- UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research School of Population and Public Health Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Kimberlyn M. McGrail
- UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research School of Population and Public Health Vancouver BC Canada
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20
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Leinonen A, Koponen M, Hartikainen S. Systematic Review: Representativeness of Participants in RCTs of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124500. [PMID: 25933023 PMCID: PMC4416896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether there are differences in age and sex distribution and presence of comorbidities between participants included in randomized controlled trials of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and nationwide cohort of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched for original articles from their inception to January 4, 2015. Double-blind randomized controlled trials with donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine compared to placebo in participants with Alzheimer’s disease were included. Data from a nationwide cohort of persons with clinically verified diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease was defined as a reference population. Results 128 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, 31 of them fulfilled criteria. Mean age of participants in randomized controlled trials (n = 15,032) was 5.8 years lower (95% CI 5.7 to 5.9, P < 0.001), compared to the mean age of 79.7 years in the reference population with Alzheimer’s disease (n = 28,093). Most of the articles did not report age distribution of participants. The proportion of women was 63.2% (9,475/14,991) in randomized controlled trials and 67.8% (19,043/28,093) (P < 0.001) in the reference population. Information on comorbidities and use of concomitant drugs were lacking or poorly reported in most articles. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between participants in randomized controlled trials of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and real-life population with Alzheimer’s disease. Participants in randomized controlled trials were significantly younger. Further, more detailed reporting of age distribution, comorbidities and concomitant drugs would be important information for clinicians when evaluating conclusions from randomized controlled trials to real-life practice. The existing recommendations of inclusion of older people should be followed to ensure safe pharmacotherapy for older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Leinonen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marjaana Koponen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Sirpa Hartikainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
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Abstract
This study examined in detail patterns of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine use and explored the relationship between patient characteristics and such use. Patients with probable Alzheimer disease AD (n=201) were recruited from the Predictors Study in 3 academic AD centers and followed from early disease stages for up to 6 years. Random effects logistic regressions were used to examine effects of patient characteristics on ChEIs/memantine use over time. Independent variables included measures of function, cognition, comorbidities, the presence of extrapyramidal signs, psychotic symptoms, age, sex, and patient's living situation at each interval. Control variables included assessment interval, year of study entry, and site. During a 6-year study period, rate of ChEIs use decreased (80.6% to 73.0%) whereas memantine use increased (2.0% to 45.9%). Random effects logistic regression analyses showed that ChEI use was associated with better function, no psychotic symptoms, and younger age. Memantine use was associated with better function, poorer cognition, living at home, later assessment interval, and later year of study entry. Results suggest that high rate of ChEI use and increasing memantine use over time are consistent with current practice guidelines of initiation of ChEIs in mild-to-moderate AD patients and initiation of memantine in moderate-to-severe patients.
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23
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Hogan DB. Long-term efficacy and toxicity of cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2014; 59:618-23. [PMID: 25702360 PMCID: PMC4304580 DOI: 10.1177/070674371405901202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Though the symptoms of Alzheimer disease go on for years, the phase 3 trials of the cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), the current mainstay of symptomatic pharmacotherapy for this condition, were typically of only 3- to 6-months' duration. We have limited data on long-term (that is, a year or more) therapy with these agents. In this review, we explore the available information on the biological and clinical effects of long-term ChEI therapy, what happens when these agents are discontinued, and examine what others have recommended An individualized approach to deciding on whether to carry on with a ChEI should be taken. If continued, treatment goals should be clarified and patients monitored over time, for both drug-related benefits and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Hogan
- Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Geriatric Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
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Maxwell CJ, Stock K, Seitz D, Herrmann N. Persistence and adherence with dementia pharmacotherapy: relevance of patient, provider, and system factors. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2014; 59:624-31. [PMID: 25702361 PMCID: PMC4304581 DOI: 10.1177/070674371405901203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive review of studies examining adherence and (or) persistence with dementia pharmacotherapy during the past decade, including a summary of the key patient-, drug-, system-, and provider-level factors associated with these measures. Estimates of adherence and 1-year persistence to these drugs have ranged from 34% to 94% and 35% to 60%, respectively. Though many studies reported nonsignificant associations, there are data suggesting that patient age, sex, ethnoracial background, socioeconomic status, and region-specific reimbursement criteria, as well as the extent and quality of interactions among patients, caregivers, and providers, may influence persistence with pharmacotherapy. As many studies relied on administrative data, limited information was available regarding the relevance of patient's cognitive and functional status or the importance of caregiver involvement or assistive devices to adherence or persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J Maxwell
- Professor, Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
| | - Kathryn Stock
- Student, School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
| | - Dallas Seitz
- Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Queen's University and Providence Care, Kingston, Ontario
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Head, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario
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Ahn SH, Choi NK, Kim YJ, Seong JM, Shin JY, Jung SY, Park BJ. Drug persistency of cholinesterase inhibitors for patients with dementia of Alzheimer type in Korea. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:1255-62. [PMID: 25336105 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0500-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined 1-year persistency with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) for the treatment of elderly Alzheimer's dementia (AD) patients in Korea. Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database from January 2005 to June 2006 was used. Patients aged 65 or older with AD diagnosis who were first prescribed a ChEI were included. The 1-year persistence, persistency rate, and switching patterns during the follow-up period were identified. Mean time to drug discontinuation was analyzed, and persistency rates between different patient factors were compared. The 1-year persistency rate of newly treated 6,461 AD patients was 24.0%, while 50% of study patients discontinued treatment by 91 days from initiation. Persistency rates of female patients (22.8%), patients in rural areas (12.7%), and primary care (10.2%) were relatively low (p < 0.001). Persistency rate differed between age groups (p < 0.001). Overall proportion of switching was 6.6%. The 1-year persistency rate of ChEIs for AD patients in Korea did not reach those of previous researches in other countries. Patients less likely to remain on therapy should be especially monitored to optimize treatment persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Hyeon Ahn
- Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management, Seoul, Korea
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Antidementia drug use among community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease in Finland: a nationwide register-based study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2014; 29:216-23. [PMID: 24608822 PMCID: PMC4047310 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) and memantine use, duration of treatment, concomitant use of these drugs, and factors associated with the discontinuation of AChEI therapy during 2006-2009. We utilized data from a nationwide sample of community-dwelling individuals with a clinically verified Alzheimer's disease diagnosed during the year 2005 (n=6858) as a part of the MEDALZ-2005 study. During the 4-year follow-up, 84% used AChEI and 47% used memantine. Altogether, 22% of the sample used both drugs concomitantly. The median duration of the first AChEI use period was 860 (interquartile range 295-1458) days and 1103 (interquartile range 489-1487) days for the total duration of AChEI use. Although 20% of the AChEI users discontinued the use during the first year, over half of them restarted later. The risk of discontinuation was higher for rivastigmine [hazard ratio 1.34 (confidence interval 1.22-1.48)] and galantamine users [hazard ratio 1.23 (confidence interval 1.15-1.37)] compared with donepezil users in the adjusted model. In conclusion, median time for AChEI use was over 3 years and every fifth Alzheimer's disease patient used AChEI and memantine concomitantly during the follow-up. The low rate of discontinuation is consistent with the Finnish Care Guideline but in contrast to the results reported from many other countries.
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Maxwell CJ, Vu M, Hogan DB, Patten SB, Jantzi M, Kergoat MJ, Jetté N, Bronskill SE, Heckman G, Hirdes JP. Patterns and determinants of dementia pharmacotherapy in a population-based cohort of home care clients. Drugs Aging 2014; 30:569-85. [PMID: 23605786 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-013-0083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the needs of older home care clients with dementia or their key quality of care issues, including their use of pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health characteristics of clients with dementia (relative to two control subgroups) from a population-based home care cohort; and, (2) determine the distribution and associated characteristics of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) and/or memantine use among dementia clients overall and according to medication class, comorbid illness, and year of assessment. METHODS This cross-sectional study included all home care clients aged 50 years or older assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC) in Ontario, Canada from January 2003 to December 2010. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with receiving a dementia medication (a ChEI and/or memantine). RESULTS There were 104,802 (21.5 %) clients with a diagnosis of dementia, 92,529 (18.9 %) cognitively impaired clients without a dementia diagnosis, and 290,929 (59.6 %) cognitively intact clients. Relative to the comparison groups, dementia clients were more likely to have reported conflicts with others, a distressed caregiver, greater levels of cognitive and functional impairment, and to exhibit wandering, aggressive behaviors, anxiety, hallucinations or delusions, and swallowing problems. Approximately half of dementia clients were taking a dementia medication, most commonly donepezil. Characteristics most strongly associated with use of ChEI monotherapy included age greater than 64 (especially 75-84), absence of economic barriers, availability of a primary caregiver, year of assessment, moderate to severe cognitive impairment, relative independence in function, health stability, no depressive symptoms or hallucinations/delusions, no recent hospitalization, use of at least 9 medications, the absence of chronic health and neurological conditions, and the use of an antipsychotic or antidepressant. For combination therapy, strong positive associations were observed for younger age, year of assessment, increasing cognitive impairment, presence of a primary caregiver, male sex, absence of economic barriers, use of at least 9 medications, and various indicators of positive health status (e.g., stability in health, absence of chronic health and neurological conditions, and no recent hospitalization). The percentage of clients receiving ChEIs increased with cognitive impairment scores but declined slightly at the highest level of impairment, whereas the percentage receiving memantine increased with cognitive impairment level. The number and percentage of dementia clients receiving any pharmacotherapy increased during the study interval. CONCLUSIONS We observed a relatively high prevalence of dementia-specific pharmacotherapy among Ontario long-stay home care clients as well as significant variation in utilization patterns by select sociodemographic, functional, and clinical characteristics, and over time. While physicians generally followed recommended guidelines regarding appropriate dementia pharmacotherapy, continued efforts to monitor practice patterns are required among vulnerable older adults across care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J Maxwell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Parsons C, McCorry N, Murphy K, Byrne S, O'Sullivan D, O'Mahony D, Passmore P, Patterson S, Hughes C. Assessment of factors that influence physician decision making regarding medication use in patients with dementia at the end of life. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 29:281-90. [PMID: 23836439 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which patient-related factors and physicians' country of practice (Northern Ireland [NI] and the Republic of Ireland [RoI]) influenced decision making regarding medication use in patients with end-stage dementia. METHODS The study utilised a factorial survey design comprising four vignettes to evaluate initiating/withholding or continuing/discontinuing specific medications in patients with dementia nearing death. Questionnaires and vignettes were mailed to all hospital physicians in geriatric medicine and to all general practitioners (GPs) in NI (November 2010) and RoI (December 2010), with a second copy provided 3 weeks after the first mailing. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of patient-related factors and physicians' country of practice on decision making. Significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. Free text responses to open questions were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. RESULTS The response rate was 20.6% (N = 662) [21.1% (N = 245) for GPs and 52.1% (N = 38) for hospital physicians in NI, 18.3% (N = 348) for GPs and 36.0% (N = 31) for hospital physicians in RoI]. There was considerable variability in decision making about initiating/withholding antibiotics and continuing/discontinuing the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and memantine hydrochloride, and less variability in decision making regarding statins and antipsychotics. Patient place of residence and physician's country of practice had the strongest and most consistent effects on decision making although effect sizes were small. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required into other factors that may impact upon physicians' prescribing decisions for these vulnerable patients and to clarify how the factors examined in this study influence prescribing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- Clinical & Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, UK
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Gardette V, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Piau A, Gallini A, Cantet C, Montastruc JL, Vellas B, Andrieu S. A 2-year prospective cohort study of antidementia drug non-persistency in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease in Europe : predictors of discontinuation and switch in the ICTUS study. CNS Drugs 2014; 28:157-70. [PMID: 24408842 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-013-0133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no consensus on when and how to discontinue cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI). Predictors of non-persistency of antidementia drugs have been poorly investigated, mostly during short-term periods and using administrative data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of ChEI switch and discontinuation among subjects with ascertained Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS A total of 557 community-dwelling, mild-to-moderate AD subjects initiating ChEIs in 29 European clinic centres were assessed twice-yearly for 2 years. Antidementia drug exposure was recorded through a physician-administered structured questionnaire to document any change in drug therapy (start and stop dates, reasons). Discontinuation was defined as >35 days without any antidementia drug. Switch was defined as a change for any antidementia drug strategy within 35 days after ChEI cessation. Two separate time-dependent multivariate Cox survival analyses were conducted to identify predictors of discontinuation and switch. RESULTS The incidences of discontinuation and switch were 9.65 and 12.47/100 person-years, respectively. Behavioural disturbances, low body mass index, falls, decline in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and AD-related hospitalization predicted discontinuation. MMSE score, decline in activities of daily living score, aberrant motor behaviour, shorter AD duration and higher nurse resource use predicted a switch. An ineffective ChEI dose and clinic specialty predicted both outcomes. Sensitivity analyses using a 60-day cut-off provided stable results. CONCLUSION Several predictors were identified: adverse drug events and their predisposing factors, perceived loss of efficacy or disease progression on cognitive or functional scales, behavioural disturbances, hospitalization and professional practices. The latter implies a need for harmonization in AD drug prescription practice.
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Rojas-Fernandez C, Mikhail M, Brown SG. Psychotropic and Cognitive-Enhancing Medication Use and Its Documentation in Contemporary Long-term Care Practice. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:438-46. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028013520196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In long-term care (LTC) settings, use of psychotropic medications to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and use of cognitive enhancers are commonplace. It is important that these medications are properly used to ensure resident well-being, and thus, it is paramount to understand use of these medications in contemporary practice to develop appropriate quality improvement initiatives. Objective: To characterize psychotropic and cognition-enhancing medication use LTC residents and current trends in documentation. Methods: Cross-sectional chart review of residents aged >65 years with dementia receiving psychotropic medications and/or cognitive enhancers. Results: From 180 residents, 84 (82% female) met inclusion criteria (average age 86 years). The prevalence of psychotropic medication use was as follows: cognitive enhancers, 71%; antidepressants, 98%; antipsychotics, 61%; sedative hypnotics, 23%. Quetiapine was the most commonly used antipsychotic (48%), followed by risperidone (28%) and olanzapine (15%), all of which were dosed within accepted guidelines. The duration of therapy ranged from 2 to 5 years for antipsychotic medications and 1¼ to 3 years for antidepressants. Documentation documentation rates were hightest for psychotropics versus cognitive enhancers. There was no documentation of attempts to lower doses or discontinue psychotropic medications or cognitive enhancers. Conclusions: Many, but not all psychotropics used were acceptable choices. The duration of therapy appears to be excessive for antipsychotic medications. Documentation of ongoing need for medications varied and could be improved on to better assess residents’ medication regimens. Further research will inform efforts to enhance the care of these residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rojas-Fernandez
- University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Kitchener, ON, Canada
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Ageing, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | | | - Susan G. Brown
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Ageing, Kitchener, ON, Canada
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Sivananthan SN, Puyat JH, McGrail KM. Variations in self-reported practice of physicians providing clinical care to individuals with dementia: a systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2013; 61:1277-85. [PMID: 23889524 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine to what extent actual practice as reported in the literature is consistent with clinical guidelines for dementia care. DESIGN A systematic review of empirical studies of clinical services provided by physicians to older adults with a diagnosis of dementia. SETTING All settings involving primary care physicians in which a diagnosis of dementia is provided. PARTICIPANTS Physicians providing care to individuals aged 60 and older with a primary or secondary diagnosis of dementia. INTERVENTION Seven dementia care processes recommended by guidelines: formal memory testing, imaging, laboratory testing, interventions, counseling, community service, and specialist referrals. MEASUREMENTS Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct, MedLine, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles in English published before March 1, 2012. RESULTS Twelve studies met the final inclusion criteria, all of which were self-reported cross-sectional surveys. There was broad variation in the proportion of physicians who reported conducting each dementia care process, with the widest variation in formal memory testing (4-96%). Recently published studies reflected a shift in scope of care, reporting that high proportions of physicians provided interventions, counseling, and referrals to specialist. CONCLUSION Despite the availability and dissemination of established best practice guidelines, there is still wide variation in physician practice patterns in dementia care. The quality of currently available studies limits the ability to draw strong conclusions. Better information on practice patterns and their relationship to outcomes for individuals with dementia and their caregivers using more-robust study designs is needed to address the needs of the increasing number of individuals who will require dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia N Sivananthan
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Abstract
Older people reaching end-of-life status are particularly at risk of adverse effects of drug therapy. Polypharmacy, declining organ function, co-morbidity, malnutrition, cachexia and changes in body composition all sum up to increase the risk of many drug-related problems in individuals who receive end-of-life care. End of life is defined by a limited lifespan or advanced disability. Optimal prescribing for end-of-life patients with multimorbidity, especially in those dying from non-cancer conditions, remains mostly unexplored, despite the increasing recognition that the management goals for patients with chronic diseases should be redefined in the setting of reduced life expectancy. Most drugs used for symptom palliation in end-of-life care of older patients are used without solid evidence of their benefits and risks in this particularly frail population. Appropriate dosing or optimal administration routes are in most cases unknown. Avoiding or discontinuing drugs that aim to prolong life or prevent disability is usually common sense in end-of-life care, particularly when the time needed to obtain the expected benefits from the drug is longer than the life expectancy of a particular individual. However, discontinuation of drugs is not standard practice, and prescriptions are usually not adapted to changes in the course of advanced diseases. Careful consideration of remaining life expectancy, time until benefit, goals of care and treatment targets for each drug seems to be a sensible framework for decision making. In this article, some key issues on drug therapy at the end of life are discussed, including principles of decision making about drug treatments, specific aspects of drug therapy in some common geriatric conditions (heart failure and dementia), treatment of acute concurrent problems such as infections, evidence to guide the choice and use of drugs to treat symptoms in palliative care, and avoidance of some long-term therapies in end-of-life care. Solid evidence is lacking to guide optimal pharmacotherapy in most end-of-life settings, especially in non-cancer diseases and very old patients. Some open questions for research are suggested.
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Patterns of Dementia Treatment Use in Assisted Living Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1975 Demented Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2011; 12:648-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Boudreau DM, Yu O, Gray SL, Raebel MA, Johnson J, Larson EB. Concomitant Use of Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Anticholinergics: Prevalence and Outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2011; 59:2069-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shelly L. Gray
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Washington; Seattle; Washington
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Effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on postoperative outcomes of older adults with dementia undergoing hip fracture surgery. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:803-13. [PMID: 21873836 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181ff67a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may interact with muscle relaxants given during general anesthesia (GA), increasing the risk of postoperative complications. We evaluated the effects of ChEIs on the postoperative outcomes of older adults who underwent hip fracture surgery. DESIGN Population-based cohort study using linked administrative databases. PARTICIPANTS All individuals with dementia age 66 years or older, who underwent hip fracture surgery between April 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007, in Ontario, Canada. EXPOSURES Use of any ChEI (donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine) before surgery. OUTCOMES The primary composite outcome included any of the following: 30-day postoperative mortality; intensive care unit admissions; or in-hospital resuscitation. Secondary outcomes included postoperative respiratory failure and pneumonia. ANALYSIS We stratified the study sample on the basis of residence (community or long-term care [LTC]) and type of anesthetic (general or regional) to create four residence/anesthesia groups. We used propensity scores to match users and nonusers of ChEIs within the residence/anesthesia strata. We then calculated the relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes associated with ChEIs in the matched groups. RESULTS A total of 624 pairs of individuals from the community and 725 pairs from LTC were created among individuals who received GA. High rates of postoperative mortality and complications were observed in both ChEI users and nonusers. The RR of the primary outcome associated with ChEI use for individuals receiving GA was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.68-1.16; χ2 = 0.93; df = 1; p = 0.34) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.63-1.04; χ2 = 2.59; df = 1; p = 0.11) in the community and LTC groups, respectively. In addition, ChEIs were not associated with any significant increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS ChEI use was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications among older adults with dementia who underwent hip fracture surgery. However, the poor postoperative outcomes overall reinforced the need to prevent fractures and improve outcomes in this population.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are being used for increasingly long periods of time, even in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. Because there is little data to help clinicians to decide on when it is safe and appropriate to discontinue ChEIs after long-term use, practices may vary widely. METHODS An internet-based survey was undertaken of Canadian dementia experts (geriatric psychiatrists, neurologists, geriatricians) involved in clinical trial research. Recommendations for ChEI discontinuation were determined based on responses to questions dealing with patient/caregiver preference, administrative considerations, effectiveness, and adverse events. RESULTS There was reasonable consensus that ChEIs should be discontinued based on patient and caregiver preference, and in the presence of severe bothersome adverse events. There was much less consensus on issues related to effectiveness - in particular, what constitutes greater than expected decline. There was a general reluctance to rely on any single measure of cognition, function and/or behavior, and in particular, the MMSE was seen as unhelpful for making decisions about discontinuation. CONCLUSION Recommendations for discontinuing ChEIs after long-term use from a survey of dementia experts are presented. Ideally, clinical practice guidelines based on controlled discontinuation trials are needed.
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Parsons C, Hughes C, McGuinness B, Passmore P. Withdrawal or continuation of cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine in patients with dementia. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- Queen's University Belfast; School of Pharmacy; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast UK BT9 7BL
| | - Carmel Hughes
- Queen's University Belfast; School of Pharmacy; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast UK BT9 7BL
| | - Bernadette McGuinness
- National University of Ireland; School of Medicine; Room 215, Block S University Road Galway Ireland
| | - Peter Passmore
- Queen's University Belfast; Department of Geriatric Medicine; Whitla Medical Building 97 Lisburn Road Belfast UK BT9 5HP
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) represent the mainstay of symptomatic treatment in Alzheimer's disease. Three medications belonging to this class are presently widely available. These agents differ in their individual mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetic properties. Switching ChEIs can be a reasonable option in cases of intolerance or lack of clinical benefit. METHODS A systematic literature search of switching ChEIs was conducted, and all studies specifically evaluating this issue were identified. Published consensus guidelines were also searched for recommendations on ChEI switching. RESULTS Eight clinical studies are summarized and discussed. All of these studies are open-label or retrospective and they cannot be readily compared because of heterogeneity in design, number of patients, agents used, and endpoints. Switching in most of these studies was done for both "lack of benefit" or "loss of response" after up to 29 months of treatment. Nevertheless, the majority of studies did not include individuals switched for lack of response after several years of treatment. Lack of satisfactory response or intolerance with the initial agent was not predictive of similar results with the second agent. CONCLUSIONS In light of these findings, we propose the following practical approach to switching ChEIs: (1) in the case of intolerance, switching to a second agent should be done only after the complete resolution of side-effects following discontinuation of the initial agent; (2) in the case of lack of efficacy, switching can be done overnight, with a quicker titration scheme thereafter; (3) switching ChEIs is not recommended in individuals who show loss of benefit several years after initiation of treatment.
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Franchi C, Lucca U, Tettamanti M, Riva E, Fortino I, Bortolotti A, Merlino L, Pasina L, Nobili A. Cholinesterase inhibitor use in Alzheimer's disease: the EPIFARM-Elderly Project. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2011; 20:497-505. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.2124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Franchi
- Laboratory for Quality Assessment of Geriatric Therapies and Services; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
| | - Ugo Lucca
- Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
| | - Mauro Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
| | - Emma Riva
- Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
| | - Ida Fortino
- Regional Health Ministry; Lombardy Region; Milan; Italy
| | | | - Luca Merlino
- Regional Health Ministry; Lombardy Region; Milan; Italy
| | - Luca Pasina
- Laboratory for Quality Assessment of Geriatric Therapies and Services; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
| | - Alessandro Nobili
- Laboratory for Quality Assessment of Geriatric Therapies and Services; Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Milan; Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to examine the trends in the prescribing of subsidized and unsubsidized cognition enhancing drugs (CEDs) in Australia over five years from 2002 to 2007. Subsidized cholinesterase inhibitor medication could be prescribed to people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) once a specialist physician had confirmed this diagnosis. Memantine was available for use in moderately severe AD but not subsidized. METHODS We analyzed the Medicare Australia and Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee databases for CED prescription data, 2002-2007, by gender, age and prescriber class. Aggregated prescription data for each medication were converted to defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 persons per day using national census data. RESULTS There were 1,583,667 CED prescriptions dispensed during the study period. CED use increased 58% from 0.91 to 1.56 DDD/1000 persons/day between 2002 and 2007. Peak use was in those aged 85-89 years. Age-adjusted utilization was slightly higher in females than males. Donepezil was the most widely used CED (66%), followed by galantamine (27%) then memantine (4%). General practitioners prescribed the majority of CEDs. Geriatricians exhibited a greater preference for galantamine than other prescribers. CED dispensing peaked towards the end of each calendar year, reflecting stockpiling by patients under the influence of a federal safety net subsidy. CONCLUSIONS Despite subsidized access to CEDs in Australia, only a minority of people with AD was prescribed these drugs during the period of the study. It is likely that the combination of complex prescribing rules and negative perceptions about efficacy or cost-effectiveness might have contributed to these findings.
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Herrmann N, Lanctôt KL. Long-term use of cholinesterase inhibitors: till death do us part? Neurodegener Dis Manag 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.10.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Herrmann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Brain Sciences Research Program, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
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Pariente A, Pinet M, Moride Y, Merlière Y, Moore N, Fourrier-Réglat A. Factors associated with persistence of cholinesterase inhibitor treatments in the elderly. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2010; 19:680-6. [PMID: 20583209 DOI: 10.1002/pds.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors associated with one-year persistence of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChI) treatments. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed using the reimbursement database of the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires, a 1/96(e) representative sample of subjects affiliated to the French National Healthcare Insurance System. Among this, patients who initiated a ChI treatment between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2005 and for whom 1 year of follow-up in the database after treatment initiation was available were identified. One-year persistence of ChI treatment was defined as an ongoing treatment without dispensing interval exceeding 60 consecutive days during the 12 months following treatment initiation. Drug switches were not considered as treatment discontinuation. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify, among patients characteristics (sociodemographic, drug uses), factors associated with one-year persistence of ChI treatments. RESULTS Among the 942 patients who initiated a treatment with ChI during the study period, 72.4% were women; mean age was 79.6 years (SD = 7.4). Patients used eight other different drugs in median (Inter-Quartile Range: 5-11); 63.7% used psychotropics, 63.6% used cardiovascular drugs. One-year persistence of ChI treatments was estimated at 45.3%. Persistence of ChI treatments was lower in patients aged 80 years and over (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.57-0.96); it was higher in patients using antidepressants at ChI treatment initiation (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.05-1.82). CONCLUSIONS One-year persistence of ChI treatment was estimated at 45.3% in this French sample. To optimize persistence of ChI treatment in the demented, patients poorly symptomatic and/or aged over 80 years should be especially monitored.
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Amuah JE, Hogan DB, Eliasziw M, Supina A, Beck P, Downey W, Maxwell CJ. Persistence with cholinesterase inhibitor therapy in a population-based cohort of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2010; 19:670-9. [PMID: 20583207 DOI: 10.1002/pds.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the risk (and determinants) of discontinuing cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) in a population-based sample of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study based on linked de-identified administrative health data from the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The cohort included all AD patients receiving a ChEI prescription during the first year of provincial coverage (2000-2001). Persistence was defined as no gap of 60+ days between depletion and subsequent refill of a ChEI prescription. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the risk of discontinuation over 40 months. Cox regression with time-varying covariates was used to assess risk factors for ChEI discontinuation. RESULTS The sample included 1080 patients (64% female, average age 80 +/- 7 years). Baseline mean (SD) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) scores were 20.8 (4.4) and 17.5 (7.7), respectively. Over 40 months, 84% discontinued therapy. The 1-year risk of discontinuation was 66.4% (95%CI 63.5-69.3%). Discontinuation was significantly more likely for females (adjusted HR 1.34, 95%CI 1.16-1.55) and among those with lower MMSE scores (2.52, 2.01-3.17 if <15), not receiving social assistance (1.25, 1.07-1.45), and paying at least 65% of total prescription costs (1.51, 1.30-1.74). It was significantly less likely for patients with frequent physician visits (0.78, 0.66-0.93, for 7-19 vs. <7 visits), higher Chronic Disease Scores (0.74, 0.61-0.89, for 7+ vs. <4), and FAQ scores of 9+ (0.82, 0.69-0.99). CONCLUSION The likelihood of discontinuing ChEI therapy was high in this real-world sample of AD patients. Significant predictors included clinical, socioeconomic, and practice factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Amuah
- Methodology Unit, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Shega JW, Ellner L, Lau DT, Maxwell TL. Cholinesterase inhibitor and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist use in older adults with end-stage dementia: a survey of hospice medical directors. J Palliat Med 2010; 12:779-83. [PMID: 19622011 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2009.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. As dementia progresses to the end stage and patients become hospice-eligible, clinicians consider whether or not to continue these therapies without the benefit of scientific evidence. We sought to describe hospice medical directors practice patterns and experiences in the use and discontinuation of cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists in hospice patients that meet the Medicare hospice criteria for dementia. STUDY DESIGN Mail survey of hospice medical directors from a random sample from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. RESULTS Of the 413 eligible participants, 152 completed surveys were returned, yielding a response rate of 37%. Of the respondents, 75% and 33% reported that at least 20% of their patients were taking a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine, respectively, at the time of hospice admission. The majority of respondents do not consider these therapies effective in persons with end-stage dementia, however, a subset believe that these medications improved patient outcomes including stabilization of cognition (22%), decrease in challenging behaviors (28%), and maintenance of patient function (22%) as well as caregiver outcomes namely reduced caregiver burden (20%) and improved caregiver quality of life (20%). While 80% of respondents recommended discontinuing these therapies to families at the time of hospice enrollment, 72% of respondents reported that families experienced difficulty stopping these therapies. A subset of respondents observed accelerated cognitive (30%) and functional decline (26%) or emergence of challenging behaviors (32%) with medication discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this survey indicate that cholinesterase inhibitors and/or NMDA receptor antagonists are prescribed for a subset of patients with advanced dementia and that a proportion of hospice medical directors report clinical benefit from the ongoing use of these agents. In addition, physician preferences for discontinuing these therapies are frequently at odds with the wishes of family members. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of the discontinuation of these therapies on patient and caregiver outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Shega
- Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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Parsons C, Hughes CM, Passmore AP, Lapane KL. Withholding, discontinuing and withdrawing medications in dementia patients at the end of life: a neglected problem in the disadvantaged dying? Drugs Aging 2010; 27:435-49. [PMID: 20524704 DOI: 10.2165/11536760-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a growing recognition that dementia is a terminal illness and that patients with advanced dementia nearing the end of life do not currently receive adequate palliative care. However, research into palliative care for these patients has thus far been limited. Furthermore, there has been little discussion in the literature regarding medication use in patients with advanced dementia who are nearing the end of life, and discontinuation of medication has not been well studied despite its potential to reduce the burden on the patient and to improve quality of life. There is limited, and sometimes contradictory, evidence available in the literature to guide evidence-based discontinuation of drugs such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, antipsychotic agents, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), antibacterials, antihypertensives, antihyperglycaemic drugs and anticoagulants. Furthermore, end-of-life care of patients with advanced dementia may be complicated by difficulties in accurately estimating life expectancy, ethical considerations regarding withholding or withdrawing treatment, and the wishes of the patient and/or their family. Significant research must be undertaken in the area of medication discontinuation in patients with advanced dementia nearing the end of life to determine how physicians currently decide whether medications should be discontinued, and also to develop the evidence base and provide guidance on systematic medication discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Kröger E, van Marum R, Souverein P, Egberts T. Discontinuation of Cholinesterase Inhibitor Treatment and Determinants thereof in the Netherlands. Drugs Aging 2010; 27:663-75. [DOI: 10.2165/11538230-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Gardette V, Andrieu S, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Coley N, Cantet C, Ousset PJ, Grand A, Monstastruc JL, Vellas B. Predictive factors of discontinuation and switch of cholinesterase inhibitors in community-dwelling patients with Alzheimer's disease: a 2-year prospective, multicentre, cohort study. CNS Drugs 2010; 24:431-42. [PMID: 20369907 DOI: 10.2165/11318010-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), especially over the long term, is still under discussion. There is a lack of data concerning the optimal drug treatment duration and the reasons for discontinuation, particularly outside the clinical trial setting. OBJECTIVE To identify predictive factors of discontinuation and switch of ChEIs in a real-world setting. METHODS A multicentre cohort study of 686 patients with mild-to-moderate ambulatory Alzheimer's disease who were diagnosed in 16 Alzheimer's disease expert centres in 2000-2 and who were assessed twice yearly for 2 years. The main outcome measure was ChEI discontinuation and switch (analysed using Cox survival analyses). RESULTS After 2 years, of the 611 subjects treated with a ChEI at baseline, 100 subjects had switched or discontinued ChEI therapy (incidence rate 12.7 [95% CI 10.2, 15.2] per 100 person-years). The incidences of switching and discontinuation were 9.2 (95% CI 7.0, 11.3) and 3.6 (95% CI 2.3, 4.8) per 100 person-years, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, predictive factors for switching were an ineffective ChEI dose (adjusted hazard ratio [HR(a)] = 6.91, 95% CI 3.08, 15.49), rapid cognitive decline (HR(a) = 4.10, 95% CI 1.85, 9.05), hospitalization unrelated to Alzheimer's disease (HR(a) = 2.33, 95% CI 1.07, 5.09) and anxiety (HR(a) = 2.08, 95% CI 1.16, 3.73). Predictive factors of discontinuation were: hospitalization related (HR(a) = 9.14, 95% CI 2.69, 31.07) or unrelated (HR(a) = 4.23, 95% CI 1.54, 11.59) to Alzheimer's disease, use of an anticholinergic drug (HR(a) = 4.26, 95% CI 1.46, 12.45) and weight loss (HR(a) = 3.77, 95% CI 1.15, 12.33). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights four types of predictors of switch or discontinuation, reflecting disease progression, reconsideration of ChEI benefits, adverse drug reactions to ChEIs and inappropriate concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs. Attention should be paid to anticholinergic agents and prescribers should be given better information about these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gardette
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Toulouse University Hospital, Université de Toulouse UPS, Inserm U558, Gérontopôle, Toulouse, France
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Pariente A, Sanctussy DJR, Miremont-Salamé G, Moore N, Haramburu F, Fourrier-Réglat A. Factors associated with serious adverse reactions to cholinesterase inhibitors: a study of spontaneous reporting. CNS Drugs 2010; 24:55-63. [PMID: 20030419 DOI: 10.2165/11530300-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in Alzheimer's disease, mostly in elderly persons with co-morbidities and receiving co-medications that could increase the risk of serious adverse reactions. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors. METHODS All ADRs associated with donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine were identified in the French pharmacovigilance database, from the launching of these drugs to January 2007. Serious ADRs (SADRs) were those that led to death, hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, or that were life threatening. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with seriousness in the reported adverse reactions. RESULTS We identified 773 reports of ADRs related to cholinesterase inhibitor use, among which 438 (57%) concerned SADRs. The median age of patients was 80 years (interquartile range: 75-84 years); 65.1% were women. The most represented ADRs were those responsible for CNS disorders (17.0%), gastrointestinal disorders (16.2%) and cardiac rhythm disorders (11.2%). Factors associated with an increased risk of SADRs were: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.92; 95% CI 1.22, 3.02 for subjects aged 85 years and over), use of atypical antipsychotics (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.04, 4.46), use of conventional antipsychotics (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.10, 3.85), use of antihypertensive drugs (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.47, 3.02) and use of drugs targeting the alimentary tract and metabolism (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.06, 2.46). The use of benzodiazepines (long-acting or others), antidepressants (tricyclic or others) or antiarrhythmic drugs was not associated with the reporting of SADRs. CONCLUSIONS An increased risk of SADRs related to cholinesterase inhibitors was associated with the use of antipsychotics (with no difference between conventional and atypical antipsychotics), drugs targeting the alimentary tract/metabolism and antihypertensive drugs. It was not associated with the use of other psychotropic drugs, other non-psychotropic CNS drugs or with the use of antiarrhythmic agents. The association with drugs targeting the alimentary tract and metabolism could result from a protopathic bias or reflect the particular sensitivity to serious nausea and vomiting in patients already treated for gastrointestinal disorders. These results confirm that attention needs to be paid to patients receiving both cholinesterase inhibitors and antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Pariente
- Service de Pharmacologie, INSERM U657, BP 36, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France.
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