DISCONTINUATION OF ANTICHOLINERGIC MEDICATIONS AMONG VA NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DEMENTIA - Abstract

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Terk

Anticholinesterase drugs are widely used among older adults despite known adverse cognitive effects, yet studying anticholinergic use is difficult because over-the-counter medications are hard to capture in electronic health records. Using VA barcode medication administration systems, data from 45,183 residents aged 65+ (2006–2019) quantified antihistamine and non-antihistamine anticholinergic exposure and linked it with demographics, conditions, labs, and functional status. Antihistamine use was lower in dementia (6.5% vs 10.7% median weeks), while non-antihistamine use was somewhat lower among dementia.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background and challenge

Data source and cohort

Key results

Conclusion

FAQs

Why is it challenging to study anticholinergic medication use in electronic health records?

Over-the-counter anticholinergic medications, such as antihistamines, are difficult to capture in electronic health records.

How did the study capture anticholinergic medications in VA nursing homes?

Providers used a barcode medication administration system to administer and track medications, enabling capture of all anticholinergics, including over-the-counter ones.

What proportion of residents discontinued non-antihistamine anticholinergic medications before discharge or death?

Over 80% of residents with and without dementia discontinued their non-antihistamine anticholinergic medication before discharge or death.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Terk