2020 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 57-61
The super-aging of Japan’s population has led to a rapid increase in the number of older persons with dementia. There are difficulties in managing the medication of dementia patients, and many patients are unable to adhere to their medication regimens without appropriate support due to low cognitive function. This report describes three cases where the Mini–mental State Examination (MMSE) was utilized to aid home medication support by pharmacists and contribute to the improvement of medication adherence. Patient 1 had an MMSE score of 26; through self-management with the medication calendar and oral reminders from a helper, the patient experienced an increase of 7% in medication adherence. Patient 2 had an MMSE score of 21; this patient used the medication calendar, phone-based reminders from family members, received medication deliveries and oral reminders from a helper, which led to an increase of 4.8% in medication adherence. Patient 3 had an MMSE score of 23; setting drugs on the medication calendar with helper's cooperation, the patient experienced an increase of 2.3% in medication adherence. These cases suggest that the MMSE has potential applications in the pharmacist-led optimization of home medication support for dementia patients.
