# Access of medication review for people living with dementia: An analysis of inequality using Swedish register data

## TL;DR

This study finds that only a small percentage of people with dementia in Sweden received medication reviews, with factors like living in residential care increasing the likelihood.

## Contribution

The study identifies socioeconomic and care-related factors influencing medication review access for dementia patients in Sweden.

## Key findings

- Only 16%–21% of people with dementia received a medication review in 2015–2016.
- Residential care increased the likelihood of receiving a medication review (aOR = 3.92).
- Being married or cohabiting reduced the chance of receiving a medication review (aOR = 0.80).

## Abstract

This study examines medication reviews (MRs) among people living with dementia (PWD) in Sweden, focusing on frequency and factors influencing access.

Using nationwide register data, all diagnosed PWD from 2010 to 2016 were assessed for MR receipt in 2015 and/or 2016. The analysis guided by the Andersen healthcare utilization framework, considered predisposing, enabling, and need‐based factors through multiple logistic regression.

The MR rate was 16% in 2015, 21% in 2016, and 30% across both years. Increased MR likelihood was linked to higher comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.45, p = 0.00), polypharmacy (aOR = 1.55, p = 0.00), and residential care (aOR = 3.92, p = 0.00), while being married or cohabiting reduced (aOR = 0.80, p = 0.00) MR receipt.

Despite national guidelines recommending annual MRs since 2012, rates remain low, especially outside residential care. The findings highlight the need for more equitable MR access for all PWD, particularly those not in residential care.

Only 16%–21% of people with dementia received a medication review in 2015–2016 in Sweden.Higher comorbidity, polypharmacy, and residential care increased likelihood of receiving a medication review.Being married or cohabiting lowered the chance of receiving a medication review.Education level and gender did not affect access to medication reviews.

Only 16%–21% of people with dementia received a medication review in 2015–2016 in Sweden.

Higher comorbidity, polypharmacy, and residential care increased likelihood of receiving a medication review.

Being married or cohabiting lowered the chance of receiving a medication review.

Education level and gender did not affect access to medication reviews.