Monitor cholinesterase inhibitors to reduce healthcare costs given their widespread use, cost,, and evidence showing little benefit to most patients
Location
Recent studies have shown that when compared to placebo only 10-20 % of patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors show even any effect on the behavioral and functional symptoms of dementia.The British Medical Journal noted the scientific basis for recommendations of cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is questionable. Project is to train nurses in nursing homes to test patients at intervals to determine if meds should continue given their ineffectiveness and cost.Once put on they are rarely monitored.
Reason:
To reduce healthcare costs, avoid side effects in a class of medications used globally in thousands of people who receive little , if any, benefit.Many patients receive these medications for the first time in long-term settings-often by primary care physicians based on a previous dementia diagnosis and often without the benefit even of a MMSE (Mini-Mental State exam). Once put on they are rarely, if ever, checked to ascertain the benefit of the drug. They often stay on until death. They suffer side effects. At the present time it is difficult to determine who will get a benefit. Most studies report little long term benefit beyond a year, The cost is at this time is between 1700 and 2400 dollars a year for treatment.Millions can be saved.
Organization:
Arbour SeniorCare
First name:
Michael C.
Last name:
.LaFerney
City:
Lakeville,MA.
Country:
United States
