journal articles
CONCURRENT USE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATIONS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY RESIDENTS WITH ADVANCED DEMENTIA
S. Goorang, L.U. Thorpe, A. Baillod, S.J. Whiting
Jour Nursing Home Res 2015;1:77-80
Seniors residing in long-term care (LTC) facilities may suffer from nutrient deficiencies, yet supplementation may increase burden with little benefit, especially in advanced dementia with reduced life expectancy. A multidisciplinary team examined the clinical context and prescription of medications and dietary supplements to 29 LTC residents in the latest stages of dementia. All except one had problems with oral intake, and almost half had problems taking medications/supplements. The mean likelihood of death at 6 months was estimated to be 30%. Vitamin D and calcium were prescribed in 19 and 12 residents respectively. The mean (range) oral medication and supplement burden was 8.2 (0-20.5) and 1.4 (0-5) units per day, respectively, with clinical data frequently suggestive of potentially adverse outcomes. We recommend increased acquisition of knowledge and clinical expertise in the practical use of dietary supplementation in frail seniors, especially those in the latest stages of dementia.
CITATION:
S. Goorang ; L.U. Thorpe ; A. Baillod ; S.J. Whiting (2015): Concurrent use of dietary supplements and medications in long-term care facility residents with advanced dementia. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2015.15