Drug-Related Problems Increase Healthcare Costs for People Living with Dementia

Drug-related problems (DRP) are common in the elderly population, especially in people living with dementia (PwD). DRP are associated with adverse outcomes that could result in increased costs.

The objective of the study was to analyze the association between DRP and healthcare costs in PwD.

The analysis was based on the cross-sectional data of 424 PwD. Compliance, adverse effects, and drug administration of prescribed and over-the-counter drugs taken were assessed. DRP were identified and classified by pharmacists using an adapted German version of "PIE-Doc®". Healthcare utilization was assessed retrospectively used to calculated costs from a public payer perspective using standardized unit costs. The associations between DRP and healthcare costs were analyzed using multiple linear regression models.

394 PwD (93%) had at least one DRP. An inappropriate drug choice was significantly associated with increased total costs (b = 2,718€; CI95% 1,448-3,988) due to significantly higher costs for hospitalization (b = 1,936€; 670-3,202) and for medications (b = 417€; 68-765). Problems with medication dosage and drug interactions were significantly associated with higher medication costs (b = 679€; 31-1,328; and b = 630€; 259-1,001, respectively).

DRP could significantly lead to adverse outcomes for PwD and healthcare payers, reflected by a higher hospitalization and costs, respectively. Further research is needed to clarify on interventions and approaches efficiently avoiding DRP and on the effect on patient-reported and economic outcomes.