Abstract
Background People with dementia are sensitive to cognitive
side effects of anticholinergic drugs. However, little
is known about the prevalence of anticholinergic medications
and its predictors in a nationally representative sample
of community-based elderly dementia patients in the
USA.
Objectives The objectives of the study were to determine
the prevalence and predictors of anticholinergic drugs use
in elderly dementia patients.
Methods The study involved retrospective analysis of the
2005–2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS), a
nationally representative sample of the non-institutionalized
US population. The study evaluated annual prevalence
of anticholinergic drug use during the study period and
factors associated with the use of anticholinergics among
community-dwelling persons aged 65 and older with
dementia. The anticholinergic drugs were identified using
the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS). Multiple logistic
regression within the conceptual framework of the
Anderson Behavioral Model was performed to identify
predictors associated with clinically significant anticholinergic
drug (ADS level 2 or 3) use.