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Primary Care Physicians' Use of Medications and Strategies for Dementia Symptoms

Explore how primary care physicians in Northwestern Virginia use medications, including antipsychotics, along with non-pharmacologic strategies for dementia symptoms. Findings reveal prescribing patterns, challenges, and the need for practical guidelines and non-drug treatments. Recommendations stress patient-oriented goals, prioritizing non-drug approaches, and informed discussions with caregivers regarding medication risks and benefits.

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Primary Care Physicians' Use of Medications and Strategies for Dementia Symptoms

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  1. The Research Question How and why do primary care physicians (PCPs) use medications including antipsychotics, as well as non-pharmacologic strategies, for symptoms of dementia?

  2. What the Researchers Did Semi-structured interviews with 26 primary care physicians (PCPs): 16 family medicine, 10 general internal medicine In practice >3years in Northwestern Virginia, USA. Analysis: template, immersion/crystallization, thematic development.

  3. What the Researchers Found PCPs prescribe antipsychotics and other medications for dementia symptoms: • To meet meet patient-oriented goals, and • Because PCPs see medications as more effective and less dangerous than evidence supports. PCPs need practical verified prescribing guidelines and dissemination of non-pharmacologic strategies which are as affordable, accessible, and efficacious as drugs.

  4. What This Means for Clinical Practice For Symptoms of Dementia: • Drug use should have patient-oriented goals in the context of this terminal illness • Non-drug treatments are first line and should be employed whenever feasible • Discussions with caregivers of patients with dementia should include the benefits and risks of all medications

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