The impact of dementia on antidiabetic drug use in Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes: findings post-Medicare part D

Abstract

Aim: The objectives of the study were to measure the utilization rates of antidiabetic drugs in diabetic patients with dementia and to assess the impact of dementia on antidiabetic drug use.

Materials & methods: This study was a pooled cross-sectional study of the Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey from 2006 to 2010.

Results & conclusion: Lower utilizations of biguanides, DPP-4 inhibitors and thiazolidinediones were observed in dementia patients. The likelihood of using antidiabetic drugs was about 30% (odds ratio: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.56-0.84) lower in dementia patients and 40% (odds ratio: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44-0.84) lower in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Healthcare providers should be aware of underuse of antidiabetic drugs in patients with dementia.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Medicare; antidiabetic drugs; dementia; vascular dementia.