The Neuropsychiatric Symptom (NPS) Dementia Cohort Study

This study was conducted at the psychogeriatric unit of the Matia Hospital, part of the Matia Foundation, located in Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain. The psychogeriatric unit is dedicated to the care of geriatric patients experiencing behavioural disturbances, primarily associated with dementia. It employs both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to optimize patient care.

The NPS Dementia Cohort Study was designed to investigate the multifaceted impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in elderly patients with dementia admitted to this unit. It focuses on key clinical and sociodemographic outcomes, including survival, functionality, comorbidities, and treatment approaches. Data were collected from all patients admitted between January 1 and December 31, 2022, with follow-up through December 31, 2023. This cohort serves as the foundation for two distinct analyses addressing critical aspects of dementia care:

Study on Overall Survival:
Titled "Refractoriness to antipsychotic treatment and survival in older adults hospitalised with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms", this research aimed to clarify the relationship of NPS and refractoriness to antipsychotic treatment (RAT) with overall survival (OS) in patients with dementia. Additionally, the study analysed the relationship between other key factors—such as cognitive function, functional status, geriatric syndromes, frailty, and pharmacological variables—and OS in the same population.
Status: In progress.  Manuscript drafting. All statistical analysis completed.

Study on Psychotropic Burden:
Titled “Assessing the effect on psychotropic drug burden in functional status and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in hospitalised older adults with dementia”, this analysis evaluates the impact of psychotropic burden, measured by the Drug Burden Index (DBI), on neuropsychiatric symptoms, functionality (e.g., Barthel Index), and outcomes such as hospital admissions, emergency visits, and mortality. By differentiating anticholinergic agents from psychotropic medications, the study aims to establish clearer associations between treatment approaches and their effects on neuropsychiatric and clinical outcomes.
Status: In progress. Manuscript drafting. All statistical analysis completed.