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Use of Antipsychotics among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Dementia in the US

An Analysis of National Survey Data

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Abstract

Background

Atypical antipsychotic agents are increasingly being used for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. However, recent data suggest that the risk of adverse effects may offset the benefits of atypical agents in patients with dementia.

Objectives

To examine utilization of antipsychotic medications and the factors associated with use of atypical antipsychotics among elderly nursing home residents with dementia.

Methods

The study involved the analysis of prescription and resident files of a nationally representative sample of residents from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS). The study sample included an unweighted sample of 6103 elderly nursing home residents aged ≥65 years with dementia. The analysis focused on the use of six atypical antipsychotic agents and 11 typical agents. Descriptive weighted analysis was performed to examine the antipsychotic prevalence patterns in elderly nursing home residents with dementia. Multiple logistic regression analysis within the conceptual framework of Andersen’s Behavioural Model was used to examine the predisposing, enabling and need characteristics associated with use of atypical antipsychotics.

Results

According to the 2004 NNHS, the overall prevalence of dementia among elderly nursing home residents was 52.58%. Most of the elderly with dementia were female (77%), aged ≥85 years (56%), non-Hispanic (97%) and White (88%). Antipsychotic medications were taken by 32.88% of elderly patients with dementia. More elderly residents received atypical agents (31.63%) than typical agents (1.75%). Among the predisposing characteristics, the odds of receiving atypical antipsychotics were lower for females than males. The enabling factor facility bed capacity was significantly associated with use of atypical antipsychotics. Among the need characteristics, the likelihood of receiving atypical antipsychotic agents increased with dependence in decision-making ability, indicators of depressed mood and behavioural symptoms. The likelihood of receiving atypical antipsychotic agents decreased with increasing dependence for out-of-bed mobility and increased total activities of daily living. The odds of receiving atypical antipsychotic treatment increased with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar mania and anxiety among dementia patients.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of elderly nursing home residents with dementia received antipsychotic medications, mainly atypical agents. Predisposing, enabling and need factors influenced the use of atypical agents in dementia patients. These findings suggest a need to optimize use of atypical antipsychotics in elderly dementia patients in nursing homes in the light of recent efficacy and safety data.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study. This research was presented in part at the 2008 Annual Conference of American Pharmacists Association at San Diego, CA, March 2008.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Texas Medical Center, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, Texas, 77030-3407, USA

    Pravin Kamble, Hua Chen, Jeffrey T. Sherer &  Rajender R. Aparasu

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  1. Pravin Kamble
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  2. Hua Chen
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  3. Jeffrey T. Sherer
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  4. Rajender R. Aparasu
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Correspondence to Rajender R. Aparasu.

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Kamble, P., Chen, H., Sherer, J.T. et al. Use of Antipsychotics among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Dementia in the US. Drugs Aging 26, 483–492 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200926060-00005

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