Managing behaviors in individuals suffering from dementia is challenging
When dementia patients get to a stage where they become very agitated, “people are looking for an easy fix.
Historically, antipsychotics have been used in an attempt to address challenging behaviors, but they are now not only in question, but the dangers associated with these medications are coming to light.
As stated on the Medicare.gov website: “Antipsychotic drugs are an important treatment for patients with certain mental health conditions. However, the FDA has warned that antipsychotic medications are associated with an increased risk of death when used in elderly patients with dementia and the medications have side effects.”
In a recent article in Waugh Consulting, LLC, it states, “Professionals are looking at the dangers and working diligently to stop the use of those medications when dealing with elderly individuals suffering from dementia. Knowing the person and using the social aspects of their lives can be successful while lowering or eliminating antipsychotic medications.”
So how do you decrease antypsychotics in dementia care?
Aging services providers across the country are now implementing pharmacogenetics as part of their “medical plan of action” to address this problem.
Pharmacogenetics aligns current and future medications with each persons unique genetic profile. This medication management program, via pharmacogenentic testing, is a simple swab of the cheek that provides clinical caregivers with an individualized report for each resident. The report provides them with evidence-based information on many medication classes, including antipsychotics. While the goal is to eliminate unnecessary medications, pharmacogenetics is also a good starting point to help guide physicians in adjusting dosages based on metabolization, or changing a medication due to a drug-on-drug interaction.
Nothing takes the place of one-on-one care from those who know them best, to be involved in their care. Making sure the resident or loved one is on the proper medications that can give them therapy, makes the caregivers job a little bit easier and helps the resident live a better quality of life.
These personalized reports are also a great tool to show that you are doing everything in your power to help your residents, decrease unnecessary medications, and manage dosages that may not be appropriate for each individual.
For more information on pharmacogenetics and how you can implement it in your senior community, contact: PGx Medical, info@pgxmed.com or 405-509-5112.
**We are presently enrolling provider organizations and communities in a pilot program. For more information on this pharmacogenetics pilot program, contact, Bill Shell at bill@legacymarketservices.com or 952-960-0806, or visit www.LindaShell.com/pharmacogenetics.