Affiliation:
1. University of Rennes 1
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The benefit/risk ratio of oral anti-dementia drugs, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, is contentious. Our objective was to describe French general practitioners’ (GPs) attitudes regarding the prescription renewal of these treatments, always initiated in France by a memory clinic specialist.
Methods: A Questionnaire Survey was sent to 1,380 GPs in the Brittany region of France about their attitudes and practices towards oral anti-dementia drugs and memory clinics.
Results: Of 233 respondents (response rate 17%), 77% considered that risks exceeded benefits, with substantial variations. Despite their generally unfavorable evaluation, most surveyed GPs reported that they usually renewed their treatment. They justified continuation by a lack of alternatives and by considering family wishes.
Conclusions: GPs usually renew oral anti-dementia drugs prescribed by specialists, although most of them think that the risks exceed the benefits. This attitude questions the principle of non-maleficence. GPs’ discomfort with anti-dementia drugs prescriptions could dissuade some GPs from addressing their patients to memory clinics.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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