Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

We observed a high prevalence of prescribing potentially inappropriate medications in older adults with dementia, especially the anticholinergic class of medications. Based on the current literature review of the anticholinergic burden scales and serum anticholinergic activity of various medications, we developed a guideline for prescribers, focussing on pharmacological alternatives for the currently prescribed anticholinergic class of medications for older adults with dementia presenting with co-morbidities. The guidelines has been prepared referring to the medications listed in the New Zealand drug formulary. Medications were classified according to the ATC-DDD Index 2019. The health conditions were grouped according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Medications were sorted according to the high/moderate anticholinergic activity (HOMAA) and their low/no anticholinergic activity substitutes (LONAA). With respect to the medications prescribed for disorders of the central nervous system, of the 117 analysed, 38% were grouped as medications with HOMAA, and 56% were found to have LONAA. Similarly, for the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, genito-urinary system, and infections; we observed that of all prescribed medications, those which were observed to have HOMAA constituted 28%, 3%, 46%, 0, 5%, 30% respectively, and the medications which had LONAA comprised 48%, 56%, 43%, 62%, 43%, 70% respectively. The medications with HOMAA could be effectively replaced by their LONAA alternatives to ensure safe pharmacotherapy. The application of the guidelines has the potential to reduce untoward effects associated with the prescription of anticholinergic medications, slower cognitive decline, and decrease the risk of mortality.