Objectives: This study examined medication adherence rate and associated factors with medication adherence in patients who had been diagnosed as having dementia through the nationwide project for early detection of dementia in South Korea.

Methods: This study enrolled a total of 131 patients, who were diagnosed as having dementia through utilization of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K), the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-KC), the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K), Clinical Dementia rating (CDR) at the Namgu Dementia Center in Incheon, from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Telephone interview was done with principal caregivers of dementia patients at least 18 months after they had been diagnosed. Out of 131 patients, 83 caregivers of patients completed telephone interview. Interview questionnaire was made to evaluate medication adherence and associated factors with medication nonadherence. The medical records of patients were also examined.

Results: Of those 83 dementia patients, 62 (72.9%) patients were currently being treated with antidementia drugs, and the proportion of patients being treated at the psychiatric clinic was 54.8%. Sociodemographic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adherence; Medication adherent patients had significantly higher satisfaction rate for the early detection program (Adjusted OR 7.82; 95% CI, 2.25-27.14; p=0.001) compared with medication non-adherent patients. Causes of nonadherence were a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment (28.6%), worsening of physical illness (19.0%), adverse effects of antidementia drugs (14.3%), and burden for the cost of treatment (9.5%).

Conclusion: At least 18 months after the early detection program, 72.9% of patients were currently being treated with antidementia drugs. The most common cause of nonadherence was a misconception of dementia diagnosis and treatment. Sociodemographic variables and clinical rating scales included in the study had no statistically significant effect on the medication adherence.