[Antipsychotic use in the cohort PACA-Alz in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia in 2010].

AIM: The aim of the study was to identify and to characterize patients with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia describing antipsychotics and other psychotropic expositions.

METHODS: The study was performed, in 2010, based on Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region (PACA)-Corse Alz cohort included patients with dementia, with chronic condition 'Alzheimer disease or related disease' and/or had at least one delivery of Alzheimer's specific treatment, registered in the General Health Care System. Psychotropic drugs were extracted according anatomical, therapeutical and chemical code. Chronic exposure defined as more than 3 consecutive deliveries.

RESULTS: Among 34 696 included patients, 26.9% were men and 68.8% were 80 years old and more. Among them, 26% received at least one antipsychotic medication, with a chronic exposition estimated around 61.3%. Antidepressant and anxiolytic were consumed respectively by 47% and 45.3% of patients. Risperidone was the most used antipsychotic (11.2%). The Health care use (hospitalizations, nurses and physicians visits) was significantly higher among patients with antipsychotics.

CONCLUSION: Antipsychotics use in patients with dementia remains high. The follow up of this regional cohort would be helpful to identify the impact of guidelines on the prescription and the care of patients with dementia.