Predictors and Moderators of Hospitalisation and Mortality in People with Dementia Using Antipsychotics: Systematic Review.

Background and objectives: Antipsychotics are used to manage behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia. While antipsychotics have been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, factors associated with these outcomes have been understudied. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with risk of hospitalisation and mortality in older people living with dementia using antipsychotics.

Methods: In total, four databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science) were searched from 2010 to 30 April 2024 using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms related to dementia, older adults, antipsychotics and outcomes (hospitalisation or mortality). Studies including older adults (≥ 65 years) with dementia and extractable data on risk measures were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools and narrative synthesis of results was performed.

Results: Of the 4139 studies identified, 24 were included (Total N [patients] = 587,885) with the majority being cohort studies (N = 23). Antipsychotic-related factors associated with mortality risk included the type of antipsychotic (e.g. typical versus atypical, adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 2.10), and dose (high versus low, relative increases ranging from 57 to 155%). Patient-related factors included age (aHR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.08) and concomitant use of medications (e.g. benzodiazepines, aHR 2.19, 95% CI 1.83, 2.63). Antipsychotic-related factors associated with hospitalisation risk included the type of antipsychotic (e.g. atypical verus typical, aHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08, 1.27) and dose (high versus low, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.09, 1.31). Patient-related factors included concomitant benzodiazepine use (aHR 1.55, 95% CI 1.29, 1.86), and new use compared with past use (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 2.84, 3.32).

Conclusions: This review identified several factors associated with risks of hospitalisation and mortality in antipsychotic users with dementia. Clinicians should consider these risk factors when prescribing antipsychotics to people living with dementia.