The explanatory role of stroke as a mediator of the mortality risk difference between older adults who initiate first- versus second-generation antipsychotic drugs.

ABSTRACT: Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat dementia-related symptoms in older adults, and observational studies show higher risks of death and stroke associated with the use of first-generation antipsychotic drugs (FGAs) compared with second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs). However, the extent to which stroke explains the differential mortality risk between FGA use and SGA use in older adults is unclear. We followed those who initiated use of antipsychotic drugs (9,777 FGA users and 21,164 SGA users) aged 65 years or older, and who were enrolled in Medicare and either the New Jersey or Pennsylvania pharmacy assistance program during 1994 to 2005, over 180 days for the outcomes of stroke and death. We estimated direct and indirect effects by comparing 180-day mortality risks associated wit

SUBMITTER: Jackson JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4188342 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature