By
Nicole J. Brandt, PharmD, CGP, BCPP, FASCP
Associate Professor of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy and Director of Clinical and Educational Programs
Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland Gary W. Small, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging
David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA);
Director of UCLA Center on Aging; and
Director of UCLA Memory and Aging Research Center at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute,
Los Angeles, California
Sanford Finkel, MD
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
Faculty Disclosure
Nicole J. Brandt, PharmD, CGP, BCPP, is a consultant for Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sanford Finkel, MD, has no relationships to disclose.
Gary W. Small, MD, is a consultant/speaker for Abbott Laboratories, Brainstorming Co., Dakim, Eisai Inc., Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Myriad Genetics, Inc., Novartis, Ortho-McNeil, Inc., Pfizer Inc, Radica, and Siemens.
Goals and Objectives
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and a principal cause of disability and decreased quality of life in older adults. An estimated 4.5 million people in the United States are affected by AD, and the number is expected to rise to more than 14 million by the year 2050. The disease has a major impact on society, with an estimated annual economic burden that approximates $100 billion and continues to grow. Although AD is the most common cause of dementia in old age and currently has no known cure, systematic approaches to diagnosis and symptomatic treatments can maximize patient function and relieve caregiver burden. Cognition, behavior, and daily functioning are all affected and need to be addressed in both disease assessment and management. Often, patients and caregivers mistake early disease symptoms for normal signs of aging. Proper diagnosis and treatment are therefore crucial. Consultant pharmacists are in a pivotal position to influence and improve the management of AD in the long-term care setting.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this continuing education program, the reader should be able to: 1. Discuss the progressive nature and impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the long-term care setting
2. Identify the pharmacologic treatment options for AD and the expected benefits of short- and long-term treatment
3. Understand issues regarding initiation, modification, and continuation/discontinuation of treatment
4. Describe the risk-benefit attributes of available AD drugs with regard to dosing regimens, potential side effects, drug-drug interactions, and cost
5. Discuss the pharmacoeconomic implications of AD drug treatment in long-term care facilities
6. Understand the role of the consultant pharmacist in improving outcomes in patients with AD in long-term care settings
Target Audience
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
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