title: Characterizing caregiver-mediated medication management in patients with memory loss.
abstract: Increasingly, family members are assisting with the complex task of medication management when patients are experiencing cognitive decline. To date, limited published research addresses caregiver-mediated medication management of patients with impaired cognition. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and correlates of caregiver-mediated medication management in community-dwelling patients with memory loss. We used baseline data from the 91 patient-caregiver dyads participating in a randomized controlled trial designed to assist caregivers of patients with memory loss with medication management. The patient's level of cognitive impairment was not related to medication errors; however, the number of medications that patients were prescribed and taking was related to medication errors. Important factors to consider when discussing medication management with caregivers of patients with memory loss include the caregiver's age, cognitive ability, and depressive symptoms, as well as the caregiver's perception of the impact of the patient's behavioral problems.
authors: Department of Health and Community System, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. jae001@pitt.edu
authors: Judith A
authors: JA
authors: Erlen
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Lingler
authors: Susan M
authors: SM
authors: Sereika
authors: Lisa K
authors: LK
authors: Tamres
authors: Mary Beth
authors: MB
authors: Happ
authors: Fengyan
authors: F
authors: Tang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*