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Changes in vitamin E prescribing for Alzheimer patients
Maurice W Dysken1, Laura Nelson Kirk, Michael Kuskowski
1Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center Program, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. maurice.dysken@med.va.gov
Summary
Geriatric psychiatrists significantly reduced prescribing Vitamin E for Alzheimer disease patients following 2005 reports on increased mortality risks. This shift reflects a cautious approach to supplement use in dementia care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Two 2005 reports linked Vitamin E supplements to increased mortality and heart failure in patients.
- Alzheimer disease patients are often prescribed Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in Vitamin E prescribing patterns among geriatric psychiatrists after the 2005 reports.
- Evaluate the impact of safety concerns on clinical practice for Alzheimer disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to members of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) in late 2006.
- The questionnaire assessed changes in Vitamin E prescription habits post-January 2005.
Main Results:
- A 35% response rate yielded 572 completed surveys.
- Nearly 60% of respondents altered their Vitamin E prescribing practices.
- The proportion of psychiatrists not prescribing Vitamin E increased dramatically from 6.6% to 60.6%.
Conclusions:
- American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry members substantially decreased Vitamin E prescriptions for Alzheimer disease patients after 2005.
- Methodological limitations of the 2005 reports were discussed.
- Ongoing research may provide further insights into Vitamin E's side effect profile.
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