Self-reported memory of medication use by the elderly

Correlates of self-reported memory for adherence to prescription drug regimens in noninstitutionalized elderly persons were studied. Independently living persons at least 55 years of age participated in a "brown-bag" medication review. A structured interview consisting of background questions and medication-related questions was conducted. Included in the interview were questions about general memory and questions about memory specifically related to medication use. Also asked were questions about demographic variables, the number of drugs being taken, the number of limitations on functional health and ability for self-care, the number of medical problems, and level of mental depression. A total of 105 persons (mean +/- S.D. age, 81 +/- 9 years) were interviewed. Overall, the subjects rated themselves higher for medication-specific memory than for general memory. Global ratings of success in remembering to take medications as directed were moderately correlated (r = 0.44) with subjects' concerns about the seriousness of their general problems with memory. Level of depression was the best predictor (adjusted R2 = 0.18) of self-rated success in remembering to take medications. However, when the subjects were asked specifically about the frequency with which they "got off truck," age was the best predictor of problems (adjusted R2 = 0.14). Most of the subjects reported using strategies for remembering that were based on external cues, such as bedtime and meals. There was no association, though, between the presence or type of such a strategy and self-reported success in medication adherence. Most independently living elderly persons believed they were remembering to take their medications as directed and described strategies for doing so.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)