Potentially inappropriate medication among people with dementia: towards individualized decision-making

The aims of this manuscript are to report on several aspects that may deserve special consideration when individualizing decisions on the prescription appropriateness among people with dementia, and to discuss current research needs in relation to these aspects.

Review article based on selective literature.

The aspects that may deserve special consideration are: the prescription of pychotropic medications, for being commonly inappropriately prescribed; the presence of advanced stage of dementia, comorbidities or multi-morbidity and/or frailty, as they can determine the prognosis and goals of care; the values and wishes of the person with dementia, as they may prioritize different goals of care; and medication adherence, as it may be poorer compared with persons without dementia. Further research on these aspects including representative participants is necessary as evidence base to guide clinical practice.

Individualised decisions on prescription appropriateness among people with dementia may require a comprehensive evaluation of the person in order to establish a shared care plan. Further research will probably support this process.