Access and use of medicines by elderly individuals with dementia

Abstract

The objective is to reveal the difficulties concerning the access and use of medicines by elderly individuals with dementia, reported by their caregivers. This qualitative study applied the participant observation method during pharmaceutical appointments performed in a specialized geriatrics service of the University Hospital of Brasília. Caregivers reported facing difficulties regarding the itinerary for medicines access in public pharmacies, as well as the high cost of these technologies in private establishments. Psychiatric symptoms, cognitive deficits, behavioral changes, apraxia, dysphagia, among other clinical manifestations of dementia syndromes, incapacitates the elderly for self-responsibility concerningthe use of drugs, which accentuates the complexity of medicines administration within the care process. In conclusion, it is fundamental to recognize caregivers’ role in promoting the rational use of medicines, and so this theme should be highlighted within the pharmaceutical services context.