Adverse drug events in cognitively impaired elderly patients

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2007;23(6):395-400. doi: 10.1159/000101454. Epub 2007 Mar 29.

Abstract

Background/aims: Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a frequent problem encountered in the elderly. The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors that influence ADEs in an elderly population with cognitive impairment.

Methods: 242 patients were recruited from dementia clinics and assessed after 6 months for ADEs. The use of natural health products (NHPs) was also documented.

Results: Backward logistic regression found that higher age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.12), and greater cognitive impairment (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.90-0.98) were associated with an increased risk of developing an ADE while the use of NHPs (OR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.13-0.79) was associated with a decreased risk (chi(2) = 27.6, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Risk of ADEs increased with greater age and cognitive impairment but decreased with the use of NHPs.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition Disorders / complications*
  • Complementary Therapies / adverse effects*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Ontario
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Administration / adverse effects
  • Self Medication / adverse effects*
  • Severity of Illness Index