Rational use of psychotropic medications and sedative load in older adults with and without dementia

Abstract

Sedative drugs use has been associated with more cognitive impairment and increased mortality. Sedative load refers to cumulative exposure to multiple drugs with sedative properties. Objective: Describe the use of psychotropic drugs and sedative load in older adults with and without dementia. Material and methods: We conducted a cross–sectional study from 2014-2015 (Sanatorio Trinidad Mitre), in hospitalized patients older than 65 years old. Drugs were classified according to the WHO ATC system. The sedative load of drugs was calculated using the Linjakumpu model. Results: 152 PsD and 35 PcD patients were registered, mean age 80.8±8.42. Polypharmacy was present in 44.39% being higher in patients with dementia than without dementia (62.80% vs 40.13%, p=0.0147). In 40.64% at least one psychotropic/sedative medication was used, greater in PcD (60% vs 36.18%, p=0.0097). The CS was: 1.32±1.59; 2.14 in PcD and 1.13 in PsD (p<0.001). Atypical antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were the most common (51.43 and 40% respectively) in patients without dementias. Conclusion: we evidenced a high level of prescription psychotropic or sedative drugs, mostly in patients with dementia. In those, the sedative load was greater. This finding highlights the importance of implementing strategies to optimize sedative drug use among older people.