Objective:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementia, and it is estimated that around 47 million people worldwide suffer this disease. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi) and memantine are indicated in mild-moderate stages, but their clinical relevance is questioned and the use of the combination therapy has not been established. The objective is to evaluate the prevalence of drug prescription for AD in a Health Management Area (HMA) and to analyze the utility of the dual therapy and its potential withdrawal.

Methodology:

Retrospective study developed by the Pharmacy Service of an HMS that includes 408,788 patients. Data were collected using different electronic platforms of the Andalusian Health Service. All patients with an active prescription of some drug for AD were included.

Results:

0.6% of the total population of the HMS had prescribed one or more drugs for AD. The most prescribed were memantine and donepezil, both in monotherapy and in combination. Approximately 40% of patients with combination therapy suffered cognitive decline since the introduction of dual therapy, but the drugs were not withdrawn.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of drug prescription for AD in the HMS studied is similar to the published prevalence data. From the start of the combination therapy prescription until the last medical consultation, a relevant percentage of patients suffer cognitive impairment, but the drugs are not withdrawn, so it is necessary to review the deprescription guidelines.

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