Risk of Cognitive Decline Associated With Paroxetine Use in Elderly Nursing Home Patients With Depression

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2016 Dec;31(8):678-686. doi: 10.1177/1533317516673463. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the risk of cognitive decline associated with paroxetine use in elderly nursing home patients with depression.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2007 to 2010 Medicare Part D claims and minimum data set (MDS) data involving new users of paroxetine and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The primary outcome was MDS Cognition Scale. The repeated-measures mixed model was used to examine the effect of paroxetine on cognition after controlling for other factors.

Results: The baseline MDS Cognition Scale measures for paroxetine (n = 63) and other SSRI users (n =1018) were 2.02 (±1.85) and 2.50 (±2.39), respectively. The repeated-measures mixed model did not find statistically significant difference in cognition with the use of paroxetine (β = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.21]) when compared to other SSRIs.

Conclusions: There was no differential effect of paroxetine on cognition when compared to other SSRIs.

Keywords: cognition; depression; elderly; paroxetine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / chemically induced*
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Homes for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nursing Homes
  • Paroxetine / adverse effects*
  • Risk
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Paroxetine