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Benzodiazepine utilization patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients
Author(s) -
Lagnaoui Rajaa,
Moore Nicholas,
Moride Yola,
MiremontSalamé Ghada,
Bégaud Bernard
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.023
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1099-1557
pISSN - 1053-8569
DOI - 10.1002/pds.853
Subject(s) - medicine , tacrine , dementia , benzodiazepine , pharmacoepidemiology , alzheimer's disease , cohort , disease , cohort study , medical prescription , pharmacology , biochemistry , chemistry , receptor , acetylcholinesterase , enzyme
Background Benzodiazepines (BZD) are commonly prescribed in the elderly. Persons with dementia may be at a greater risk of adverse reactions of BZD such as cognitive impairment. Objective To assess the prevalence of BZD use in Alzheimer's disease patients and to examine patient and drug‐characteristics associated with this use. Design Cross‐sectional study. Participants Five thousand community‐dwelling and institutionalized patients initiating a treatment with tacrine for a mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and included in the tacrine‐study (Paco cohort). Measurements Patient characteristics and BZD use recorded at the inclusion. Main outcome Use of BZD during the 3 months prior to inclusion. Results The 3‐month prevalence of ever use of BZD was 20%. After controlling for age and gender, there was a non‐significant inverse association between BZD use and a score of Mini‐Mental Status Evaluation (MMSE) below 24 (OR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.71–1.09), and significant inverse association with an increased number of chronic conditions (OR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58–0.91). Higher use of BZD was associated with higher level of overall drug consumption (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.97–2.80). Conclusion Alzheimer's disease patients are frequently prescribed BZD. A low score of MMSE (< 24) is associated with a decreased use of BZD. These results suggest important differences in BZD use patterns among persons with Alzheimer's disease.. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.