Anticholinergic medications: use among older adults with memory problems.
The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which over-the-counter and prescription medications with potential anticholinergic side effects were used by a sample of 193 older adults with memory problems. Medications with anticholinergic side effects are contraindicated in this population because they can worsen memory impairment and increase confusion. A retrospective chart review of clients seen between October 1999 and April 2004 was completed, with a secondary analysis of the medications older adults (older than 50 years) were taking at their initial clinic visit. Findings revealed that 10.3% of these older adults were consuming one or more medications with anticholinergic side effects. These findings demonstrate an ongoing opportunity for nurses to educate health care providers, as well as consumers, regarding the dangers of these medications.
Kemper
Rachel F
RF
Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbia, Ohio, USA. Rachel.Kemper@osumc.edu
Steiner
Victoria
V
Hicks
Barbara
B
Pierce
Linda
L
Iwuagwu
Cletus
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced; D000075202:Contraindications; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009820:Ohio; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs