Display Full Text | Download Full Text
0.67 MB PDF file

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), University of Toledo Health Science Campus, School of Nursing, 2005.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of over-the-counter and prescription medications with anticholinergic side effects being used in a sample of 193 older adults with memory problems seen an outpatient setting between October 1999 and April 2004. Medications with anticholinergic side effects are contraindicated in this population because they can worsen memory impairment, increasing memory deficits, confusion. Using data from a retrospective chart review, this study was a secondary analysis of the medications that adults (>50 years of age) were taking at their initial clinic visit. Mintzer and Burn’s (2000) list was used to identify drugs posing an anticholinergic danger. Findings revealed that 10.3% of these adults were consuming one or more medications with anticholinergic side effects. These finding demonstrate a need for continued and perhaps, increased education for medical personal and healthcare consumers concerning the dangers of medications with anticholinergics side effects.

Subject Headings

Health Sciences, Nursing

Keywords

dementia; memory loss; older adult; inappropriate medications; memory problems; anticholinergic

Advisor

Linda Pierce, Ph.D., R.N

Pages

56p.

Document number: mco1115054101
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=mco1115054101

This ETD has been downloaded 634 times (through March 2013)