A report recently published in The Journal of Psychiatry indicates the use of antipsychotic medications among older adults remains high, despite concerns about the safety of these medications.
The study revealed among older adults taking antipsychotic medications who had a mental disorder or dementia diagnosis, the most common diagnosis was dementia (66.2% of those aged 75–79 years and 47.8% of those aged 80–84 years). However, more than three-quarters of older adults given a prescription for antipsychotics had no documented diagnosis of a mental disorder or dementia.
Researchers looked at long-term versus short-term use of antipsychotic medications and found that 53.7%, 49.2%, and 46.2% of older antipsychotic users aged 70–74 years, 75–79 years, and 80–84 years, respectively, used the medications for longer than 120 days.
“The results of the study suggest a need to focus on new ways to treat the underlying causes of agitation and confusion in the elderly.” stated the study’s lead author, Mark Olfson, MD, MPH, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is partnering with nursing homes in our region to address inappropriate antipsychotic medication use in dementia residents. We recognize that we have room for improvement in this area. In a comparison with other states and territories, the Great Plains QIN states rank as follows: South Dakota (25th); North Dakota (38th), Nebraska (40th) and Kansas (47th).
All nursing homes in our states have the opportunity to work together to share tools, knowledge and experience to reduce antipsychotic medication use. There are also many other opportunities to improve the overall care and quality of life of our residents. Visit our website to learn more and get connected.