[Factors associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia who received home medical treatment: A cross-sectional study (OHCARE study)].

AIM

The present study investigated the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and pharmacological therapy among elderly people with dementia who received home medical treatment.

METHODS

This study was part of the Osaka Home Care Registry study (OHCARE-study). Participants were >65 years old with dementia. Demographic and medical data, BPSD, and the LTCI [long-term care insurance] care-need level were collected. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in order to clarify the factors associated with BPSD.

RESULTS

Among 110 subjects (82.0±11.3 years old), 64.6% had a diagnosis of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer's dementia. Aside from home medical treatment, 58.1% had a nurse visit, 48.1% received home care, and 40.0% used a day service. The prevalence of BPSD was 53.0%. Those with BPSD most frequently had an LTCI care-need level of 3, and the prevalence of BPSD declined as the level increased after 3. Psychotropic drugs were prescribed in 61.5% of those with BPSD. Antipsychotic drugs were used significantly more frequently in those with nursing care resistance, assault and delusions than in others (all, p <0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that the positive predictor of BPSD was antipsychotic drug use, while negative predictors were an LTCI care-need level and the use of visiting rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

The BPSD in elderly dementia patients receiving home medical treatment were clarified. The LTCI care-need level is an independent predictor of BPSD after adjusting for the activities of daily life. Further longitudinal investigations including the BPSD severity and frequency are needed.