Patterns of the Concurrent Use of Anti-dementia Drugs and Antipsychotics: Analysis using HIRA-APS-2018 Data

The number of dementia patients and the associated socio-economic burden are rapidly increasing in Korea. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia increase the burden on caregivers, thus primarily instigating admission to a nursing home. In this study, using 2018 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-Aged Patient Sample (HIRA-APS) data, the pattern of concurrent use of anti-dementia and antipsychotic drugs by dementia patients was investigated, and related factors were identified. The most frequently used combination were donepezil-quetiapine (52.8%), donepezil-memantine-quetiapine (13.8%), and donepezil-risperidone (8.8%). Logistic regression analysis revealed male patients, those aged ≥75 years, medical aid beneficiaries, and those with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥5 to be more likely to receive concomitant administration. The likelihood increased in patients visiting nursing or general hospitals, while it decreased in patients visiting tertiary hospitals. Honam, Gyeongsang, and Chungcheong regions showed lower likelihood of concurrent use than Seoul-metropolitan area. The results of this study provide basic evidence for further studies on the outcome of concurrent use in dementia patients.