OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in benzodiazepine use over time, and the association between benzodiazepine use and select outcomes. DESIGN: A five-year longitudinal cohort study in subjects 65 years of age and older. SETTING: Select urban communities and institutions across Canada with senior citizens. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects who were first seen in 1990 to 1991, recontacted in 1996, and agreed to undergo a second clinical examination. Mortality rates were based on the initial 2914 subjects enrolled. MEASUREMENTS: Number and type of medications used. Outcomes (mortality, incident institutionalization, change in cognition, depression, function, self-rated health) associated with benzodiazepine use. Logistic regression to predict outcomes and pattern of benzodiazepine use. RESULTS: Mean number of medications being taken by senior citizens increased to 5.8 from 3.9. The proportion of subjects using benzodiazepines at time 1 and time 2 was similar (26.4% versus 25.2%). Affect, self-rated health, cognition, function and incident institutionalization were significantly associated with benzodiazepine use. Subjects with a depressed mood were more likely to be prescribed a benzodiazepine (37%) than an antidepressant (26.9%). CONCLUSION: Benzodiazepines were associated with a number of adverse outcomes. The relative benefits and risks of benzodiazepine use in an older population should be re-examined.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in benzodiazepine use over time, and the association between benzodiazepine use and select outcomes. DESIGN: A five-year longitudinal cohort study in subjects 65 years of age and older. SETTING: Select urban communities and institutions across Canada with senior citizens. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects who were first seen in 1990 to 1991, recontacted in 1996, and agreed to undergo a second clinical examination. Mortality rates were based on the initial 2914 subjects enrolled. MEASUREMENTS: Number and type of medications used. Outcomes (mortality, incident institutionalization, change in cognition, depression, function, self-rated health) associated with benzodiazepine use. Logistic regression to predict outcomes and pattern of benzodiazepine use. RESULTS: Mean number of medications being taken by senior citizens increased to 5.8 from 3.9. The proportion of subjects using benzodiazepines at time 1 and time 2 was similar (26.4% versus 25.2%). Affect, self-rated health, cognition, function and incident institutionalization were significantly associated with benzodiazepine use. Subjects with a depressed mood were more likely to be prescribed a benzodiazepine (37%) than an antidepressant (26.9%). CONCLUSION:Benzodiazepines were associated with a number of adverse outcomes. The relative benefits and risks of benzodiazepine use in an older population should be re-examined.
Authors: Nicholas T Vozoris; Hadas D Fischer; Xuesong Wang; Geoffrey M Anderson; Chaim M Bell; Andrea S Gershon; Anne L Stephenson; Sudeep S Gill; Paula A Rochon Journal: Drugs Aging Date: 2013-03 Impact factor: 3.923
Authors: Alison A Moore; Mitchell P Karno; Christine E Grella; James C Lin; Umme Warda; Diana H Liao; Peifeng Hu Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2009-10-26 Impact factor: 5.562