Journal of Korean Geriatric Psychiatry  2015;19(2):47-54

Follow-Up on Medication Adherence of Dementia Patients : After Diagnosed through the Nationwide Project for Early Detection of Dementia.

Ji Hyun ROH 1 ; Won Hyoung KIM ; Ji Hyun KIM ; Jeong Seop LEE ; Chul Eung KIM ; Jae Nam BAE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Dementia; Early diagnosis; Medication adherence

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined medication adherence rate and associated factors with medication adherence in patients who had been diagnosed as having dementia through the nationwide project for early detection of dementia in South Korea. METHODS: This study enrolled a total of 131 patients, who were diagnosed as having dementia through utilization of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet at the Namgu Dementia Center in Incheon, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Telephone interview was done with principal caregivers of dementia patients at least 18 months after they had been diagnosed. RESULTS: Out of 131 patients, 83 caregivers of patients completed telephone interview. 62 (72.9%) patients were currently being treated with antidementia drugs, and the proportion of patients being treated at the psychiatric clinic was 54.8%. Sociodemographic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adherence. The most common cause of nonadherence was a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment (28.6%). CONCLUSION: The major cause of nonadherence was a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment, therefore, education on misconception may enhance a patient's medication adherence. Sociodemographic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adherence.