국가 치매조기검진을 통해 진단된 치매 환자의 약물치료 순응도 추적

Follow-Up on Medication Adherence of Dementia Patients : After Diagnosed through the Nationwide Project for Early Detection of Dementia

Objective：This study examined medication adherence rate and associated factors with medication adherence in patients who had been diagnosed as having dementia through the nationwide project for early detection of dementia in South Korea. Methods：This study enrolled a total of 131 patients, who were diagnosed as having dementia through utilization of the Kore-an version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet at the Namgu Dementia Center in Incheon, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Telephone interview was done with principal caregivers of demen-tia patients at least 18 months after they had been diagnosed. Results：Out of 131 patients, 83 caregivers of patients completed telephone interview. 62 (72.9%) patients were currently be-ing treated with antidementia drugs, and the proportion of patients being treated at the psychiatric clinic was 54.8%. Sociodemo-graphic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adher-ence. The most common cause of nonadherence was a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment (28.6%). Conclusion：The major cause of nonadherence was a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment, therefore, education on misconception may enhance a patient’s medication adherence. Sociodemographic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adherence.