Fovette E. Dush Associate Professor of Neurology Brian Callaghan, M.D., M.S., found that out-of-pocket costs for drugs mean patients with conditions including Alzheimer's disease aren't taking their medication correctly, in a study published in Neurology.
In the publication, Callaghan et al concluded:
- Higher out-of-pocket costs were associated with lower medication adherence in 3 common neurologic conditions.
- When prescribing medications, physicians should consider these costs in order to increase adherence, especially as out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.
- Racial/ethnic disparities were also observed; therefore, minority populations should receive additional focus in future intervention efforts to improve adherence.
