Basic knowledge of the medication regimen correlates with performance on cognitive function tests and diagnosis of dementia in elderly patients referred to a geriatric assessment unit.

BACKGROUND

Cognitive decline and dementia are highly prevalent amongst the elderly. Medication management problems are also prevalent in this population. Although both problems coexist, the quantitative association between them has not been comprehensively analyzed.

METHOD

A prospective cross-sectional study of a successive cohort of 425 patients was performed in a community-based geriatric assessment unit. Personal information, results of cognitive function tests, a diagnosis of dementia and an examination of basic knowledge of the medication regimen were recorded and entered into a patient register at the end of each patient's assessment.

RESULTS

Performance in cognitive function tests was significantly poorer in patients demonstrating lack of basic knowledge of the medication regimen. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination score: 19.1 versus 25.5 (p<0.001); mean number of words recalled on a 3-word recall test: 1.0 versus 1.84 (p<0.001); abnormal clock drawing test: 82 versus 57.7%, respectively (p<0.001). The number of patients diagnosed with dementia was greater among patients who demonstrated lack of basic knowledge of the medication regimen (46.8 vs. 6.9%, respectively; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A strong association between lack of basic knowledge of the medication regimen and cognitive dysfunction was demonstrated in elderly patients referred to a geriatric assessment unit, suggesting that lack of basic knowledge of the medication regimen is indicative of cognitive dysfunction and vice versa.