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Persistent use of Analgesic Medications in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have reported a lower use of analgesics in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than in non-AD elderly. To date, no study has focused on persistent analgesic use in patients with mild-to-moderate AD.

Methods

The “Réseau sur la maladie d’Alzheimer Français” (REAL.FR) cohort study enrolled community-dwelling patients with mild-to-moderate AD. Persistent analgesic use was defined as the consumption of at least one analgesic drug during two consecutive visits (6 months). Associated factors were identified in a nested case–control study.

Results

In REAL.FR, 595 patients were present during at least two consecutive visits [mean age = 77.5 ± 6.8 years, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) = 20.1 ± 4.2]. Prevalence of persistent analgesic use was 13.1 % (95 % CI = 10.4–15.9). The incidence of persistent analgesic use was 5.9/100 patient-years (95 % CI = 5.2–6.6). Women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95 % CI = 1.2–8.1), patients with musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 3.4, 95 % CI = 1.6–7.3) and patients treated with numerous medications (OR = 3.0, 95 % CI = 1.5–5.8) were more likely to use analgesics persistently. Statistically significant associations were found with disease duration and disease progression but not with AD severity at baseline.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a low use of analgesics in AD patients, which could vary with AD progression.

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Acknowledgments

The REAL.FR Study group refers to: Vellas B., Ousset PJ., Gillette-Guyonnet S., Nourhashemi F., Andrieu S. (Toulouse); Rainfray M., Richard-Harston S. (Bordeaux); Franco A., Couturier P. (Grenoble); Pasquier F., Mackowiak-Cordoliani M.A. (Lille); Frigard B., Idiri H., Gallouj K. (Wasquehal); Michel B. (Marseille); Jeandel Cl. (Montpellier); Touchon J., Portet F., Lerouge S. (Montpellier); Robert P., Brocker P., Bertogliati C. (Nice); Forette B., Teillet L., Lechowski L. (Paris); Belmin J., Pariel-Madjlelssi S. (Paris); Verny M., Artaz M.A. (Paris); Forette F., Rigaud A.S., Latour F. (Paris); Jouanny P., Belliard S., Michel O. (Rennes); Gonthier G., Girtanner C., Thomas-Anterion C. (Saint Etienne). The DSA group refers to: Andrieu S., Savy S., Cantet C., Coley N.

Funding

REAL.FR was supported by a grant from the French Ministry of Health (PHRC 98-47N and PHRC 18-05). Promotion of the REAL.FR study was supported by the University Hospital Centre of Toulouse. The data sharing activity was supported by the “Association Monegasque pour la recherche sur la maladie d’Alzheimer” (AMPA) and the UMR 1027 Unit INSERM – University of Toulouse III. The funding organizations were not involved in the design or conduct of the study, data collection, management, analysis or interpretation, nor in the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.

Transparency statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inserm, UMR1027, 31062, Toulouse, France

    Adeline Gallini, Virginie Gardette, Bruno Vellas, Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre & Sandrine Andrieu

  2. Université de Toulouse III, 31073, Toulouse, France

    Adeline Gallini, Virginie Gardette, Bruno Vellas, Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre, Sandrine Andrieu & Christine Brefel-Courbon

  3. Service d’épidémiologie, CHU de Toulouse, 31073, Toulouse, France

    Adeline Gallini, Virginie Gardette & Sandrine Andrieu

  4. Gérontopôle, CHU de Toulouse, 31058, Toulouse, France

    Virginie Gardette, Bruno Vellas & Sandrine Andrieu

  5. Service de Médecine interne et gérontologie clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France

    Bruno Vellas

  6. Service de pharmacologie clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France

    Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre & Christine Brefel-Courbon

  7. Inserm, UMR825, 31024, Toulouse, France

    Christine Brefel-Courbon

  8. INSERM UMR 1027, Faculté de médecine, Université de Toulouse, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France

    Adeline Gallini

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  1. Adeline Gallini
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  6. Christine Brefel-Courbon
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the REAL.FR/DSA group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adeline Gallini.

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Gallini, A., Gardette, V., Vellas, B. et al. Persistent use of Analgesic Medications in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. Drugs Aging 30, 439–445 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-013-0070-3

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