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The impact of cognitive function on medication management: three studies.
Carol S Stilley1, Catherine M Bender, Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob
1Center for Research in Chronic Disorders (CRCD), School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. css100@pitt.edu
Summary
Cognitive deficits in attention and working memory are linked to medication nonadherence. Assessing these mental functions can identify patients at risk for poor adherence across various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Medication nonadherence is a long-standing issue, with patients frequently citing forgetfulness and distraction.
- Previous research on the link between cognitive function and medication adherence has produced inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive function and medication adherence in adult patients.
- To identify specific cognitive domains that predict medication nonadherence.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis of three longitudinal studies, including two randomized controlled trials and one descriptive study.
- Adult patients with diverse conditions (lipid-lowering, diabetes, breast cancer) underwent standardized neuropsychological testing.
- Medication adherence was monitored using electronic event monitors over time.
Main Results:
- Medication nonadherence was a common issue across all study groups.
- Deficits in attention/mental flexibility and working memory were significant predictors of nonadherence.
- Impaired executive function was also associated with poor adherence in one study.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced mental efficiency appears crucial for improving medication adherence.
- Targeted assessment of specific cognitive functions can identify patients at risk for nonadherence, irrespective of their diagnosis or treatment regimen.
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