Clinical caracteristics if chronic elderly benzodiazepines consumers

1. Clinical characteristics of chronic
elderly Benzodiazepines
consumers
Authors: G. Vazquez, G. Rovira , B. Jiménez, R. Moteserín

2. Objective
• To study the prevalence of long-term use of
benzodiazepines (≥3 months) and the factors associated
with its use

3. Background
• Long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) is very common
phenomenon. It is important to know which short-term
users are at risk of becoming long-term users.
• Not only is such use ineffective, but it also has several risks
such as memory impairment and risk of falls (especially in
elderly) in addition to dependence risk.
• Despite its addictive potential effect and the long term
adverse effects, it remain as first choice worldwide for the
management of anxiety and insomnia.

4. Material and Methods
• Design: Cross-sectional study.
• Scope: Urban health center
• Participants: 620 community older adults (up to 74
years).
• Exclusion criteria:
i. Severe cognitive impairment
ii. Terminal illness
iii. Inability to attend the center autonomously

5. • Variables Measured:
i. Socio-demographic characteristics
ii. Clinical and mental health (comorbidity, geriatric
syndromes, chronic medication)
iii. Cognitive/affective studio (Mini-Mental Stat Examination,
Yesavage-5)
iv. Functionality (Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living)
v. Nutrition and social state (Mini Nutritional Assessment,
Social Gijon Scale)

6. Results (I)
Long term use of benzodiazepines was significantly
associated with:

7. Results (II)
Other geriatric conditions frequently associated were:

8. Results (III)
Association was also found in those with high scores on Barthel Index, Gijón Scale and
Yesavage-5 Scale

9. Results (IV)
PHOTO FINISH: The consume of long term Benzodiazepines
was associated with:

10. Conclusions:
• Elderly people are heavy users of Benzodiazepines (1/3 study
population)
• Data suggest that women with polyfarmacy and depression are the
most commune long term consumers.
• Interventions performed by GP may help patients to discontinue or
reduce the number of elderly people becoming long-term users.
• It is important to design interventions in order to improve the
appropriately use of this medication

11. Thank you so much for your attention!