What on Earth are doctors thinking? It’s a head-scratcher. Recent research shows that around 25% of Medicare beneficiaries with dementia were given potentially inappropriate CNS-active medications between 2013 and 2021. That’s right, 25%—a staggering number for a population that deserves better. Nearly 22% of older adults with cognitive impairment popped these pills, while only 17% of their cognitive peers were prescribed the same. Go figure.
What are doctors thinking? A shocking 25% of dementia patients were given risky CNS-active medications from 2013 to 2021.
The data comes from a study of 4,842 individuals, part of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative dataset. Adjustments were made for age, health status, and socioeconomic factors, but one thing is clear: millions of older Americans with dementia are still being handed these brain-altering drugs. Talk about ignoring the elephant in the room.
Now, let’s explore the types of risky medications. Yes, benzodiazepines have declined, but they still made up a significant portion of prescriptions. Antipsychotic prescriptions, however, rose from 2.6% to 3.6%. Seriously? Who thought that was a good idea? These drugs are known to increase the risk of delirium, falls, and cognitive impairment. Hospitalizations? Higher rates among those taking these meds. It’s a recipe for disaster.
And here’s the kicker: over two-thirds of patients on these medications didn’t even have a documented clinical reason for taking them in 2021. That’s right, two-thirds! Clinically justified prescriptions dropped from 6% to 5.5%. Doctors might think they’re picking the “least worst option,” but that’s a pretty low bar. Higher levels of prescribing are noted in older adults with cognitive impairment, highlighting the urgent need for change. One in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia prescribed these medications reflects a troubling trend.
Sure, overall prescriptions fell from 20% to 16%. But antipsychotics? They’re climbing. Why? It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion. The disparity in prescribing patterns is glaring: cognitive impairment patients are getting these risky meds more than their cognitive counterparts. It’s baffling, frustrating, and downright unacceptable.
