Cumulative dosages of antipsychotic drugs are associated with increased mortality rate in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. (30th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nielsen, R. E.; Lolk, A.; Valentin, J. B.; Andersen, K.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 134:Number 4(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 314
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2016-06-30
• Subjects: Alzheimer -- mortality -- antipsychotics -- pharmacoepidemiology; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.12614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: We wished to investigate the effects of cumulative dosages of antipsychotic drug in Alzheimer′s dementia, when controlling for known risk factors, including current antipsychotic exposure, on all‐cause mortality. Method: We utilized a nationwide, population‐based, retrospective cohort study design with mortality as outcome in individual patients diagnosed with Alzheimer′s dementia. Results: We included a total of 45 894 patients and followed them for 3 803 996 person‐years in total, presenting 27 894 deaths in the study population. Cumulative antipsychotic exposure increased mortality: more than 0 Daily Defined Dosage (DDDs) but less than 90: HR 2.20, 95% CI (2.14–2.27), P < 0.001; more than or equal to 90 DDDs but less than 365: HR 1.81, 95% CI (1.74–1.89), P < 0.001; more than or equal to 365 DDDs but less than 730: HR 1.38, 95% CI (1.428–1.49), P < 0.001; and more than or equal to 730 DDDs: HR 1.06, 95% CI (0.95–1.18), P = 0.322, when controlling for proxy markers of severity, somatic and mental comorbid disorders. Conclusion: In this nationwide cohort study of 45 894 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer′s dementia, we found that cumulative dosages of antipsychotic drugs were associated with increased mortality rates.