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COVID-19 Factors Associated With Medication Changes Among Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Alison C Rataj1, Kate L Lapane1, Brian R Ott2
1University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Summary
Nursing homes with high COVID-19 mortality reduced antidementia drug use. Increased resident behavioral issues during the pandemic correlated with more psychotropic medication initiation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted nursing home (NH) operations and resident care.
- Changes in medication practices, including antidementia and psychotropic drugs, were observed during this period.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing dementia care during public health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between COVID-19 mortality rates, staffing, and resident behavior with medication initiation in nursing home residents with dementia.
- To analyze how the pandemic's peak influenced the prescribing of antidementia and psychotropic medications.
- To identify factors associated with changes in medication initiation during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a nationally representative survey of Directors of Nursing.
- Assessment of changes in antidementia and psychotropic medication initiation at the pandemic's peak.
- Statistical examination of associations between COVID-19 mortality, staffing, resident behavior, and medication initiation.
Main Results:
- Nursing homes with higher COVID-19 mortality rates showed decreased initiation of antidementia medications.
- COVID-19 mortality rates did not significantly correlate with changes in psychotropic medication initiation.
- Increased resident behavioral problems were associated with higher odds of psychotropic medication initiation.
Conclusions:
- Nursing homes severely affected by COVID-19 deaths were less likely to increase antidementia medication initiation.
- Increased psychotropic drug use was linked to heightened behavioral symptoms, potentially exacerbated by COVID-19.
- Further research is necessary to understand prescribing practices during public health emergencies.
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