Racial Disparities in Drug Prescriptions for Dementia

A study in Clinical Epidemiology found evidence of black and Asian persons with dementia not receiving the same quality of care as their white counterparts in drug prescribing, reports EurekAlert . Asians with dementia are less likely to receive anti-dementia drugs and take them for shorter periods. Dementia sufferers from black ethnic groups who are prescribed antipsychotics, which are mainly used for dementia-related distress rather than for primary symptoms, were found to take them for about four weeks longer annually versus whites in the United Kingdom — exceeding suggested limits on how long they should be administered. "Our new findings are concerning as they appear to reflect inequalities in the care people receive to treat symptoms associated with dementia," noted University College London Professor Claudia Cooper. The researchers suggested the greater socioeconomic disadvantages confronted by minority ethnic groups may lead to barriers to accessing care, while language and cultural barriers also could contribute to disparities. Both blacks and Asians with dementia were prescribed antipsychotics for longer than whites, by 27 and 17 days more, respectively, which could increase the risk of harmful side effects. The researchers said the findings may mirror differences in the likelihood of drugs being reviewed and discontinued when no longer needed.