Critical Review of the Determinants of Medication Adherence in Patients With Dementia

Abstract

Objective: Medication adherence is a prominent issue in the general population; therefore, due to the nature of dementia, the risk of medication no adherence is even greater. Furthermore, there have been discrepancies regarding the impact of specific determinants on medication adherence as previous literature has cited conflicting information. This review aimed to identify the potential causative relationship of dementia that may result in medication non-adherence.
 Methods: A meta-analysis of (15 primary research papers) was conducted to identify and assess the specific themes and determinants related to non-adherence, and their impact on medication adherence in those who were cognitively impaired.
 Results: Four domains were established or developed upon review and risk of bias and risk of the summary table were created. A critical review undertaken to analyse various papers and their respective findings. Through the data analysis it was found that common themes could be established, such as Cognitive impairment, Disability, Mental illness and occasional forgetfulness to take their medication. The impact of each domain was expressed e. g. the predominant role of executive function and memory as well as non-adherence leading to delusional or suspicious thoughts.
 Conclusion: The findings align with current literature. The caregiver aspect needs to be addressed more thoroughly and more investigations are required such as identifying underlying factors that may potentially result in influence.