Prescription of Benzodiazepines and Related Drugs in Patients with Mild Cognitive Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease

authored by: Philipp Hessmann, Richard Dodel, Erika Baum, Matthias J. Müller, Greta Paschke, Bernhard Kis, Jan Zeidler, Mike Klora, Jens Peter Reese, Monika Balzer-Geldsetzer
Abstract: Introduction Benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDR) should be avoided in patients with cognitive impairment. We evaluated the relationship between a BZDR treatment and the health status of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Cross-sectional study in 395 AD patients using bivariate and multiple logistic analyses to assess correlations between the prescription of BZDR and patients' characteristics (cognitive and functional capacity, health-related quality of life (HrQoL), neuropsychiatric symptoms). Results BZDR were used in 12.4% (n=49) of all participants. In bivariate analyses, the prescription was associated with a lower HrQoL, a higher need of care, and the presence of anxiety. Multivariate models revealed a higher risk of BZDR treatment in patients with depression (OR 3.85, 95% CI: 1.45 - 10.27). Community-dwelling participants and those treated by neurologists/psychiatrists had a lower risk of receiving BZDR (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.89 and OR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07 - 0.36). Discussion The inappropriate use of BZDR conflicts with national and international guidelines. We suggest evaluating indications and treatment duration and improving the knowledge of alternative therapies in healthcare institutions.
Organisation(s): Center for Health Economics Research Hannover (CHERH)
External Organisation(s): University of Göttingen
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Justus Liebig University Giessen
Praxis Alexander Etz
Oberberg Fachkliniken
Geriatrie-Zentrum Haus Berge
Type: Article
Journal: Pharmacopsychiatry
Volume: 52
Pages: 84-91
No. of pages: 8
ISSN: 0176-3679
Publication date: 2019
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Psychiatry and Mental health, Pharmacology (medical)
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-100523 (Access: Open)