Abstract
A high prevalence of prescribing potentially inappropriate medications, particularly medications with anticholinergic properties (MAP), has been observed in older adults (>65 years of age) with dementia in New Zealand. MAP have been associated with several adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population, specifically the risk of accelerating cognitive decline in patients with pre-existing dementia.
The purpose of this study was to compile a comprehensive list of therapeutic alternatives to MAP prescribed for comorbidities in individuals with dementia. Further, the list was used in a cohort of patients with dementia, to determine theoretically if a reduction in the anticholinergic burden (ACB) could be achieved.