ArticleBJGP open2025
Prescribing memantine in general practice in England: a mixed-methods study.
Article in BJGP open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Trends in First-Time Symptomatic Antidementia Drug Dispensations to Home-Dwelling People in Norway: A Nationwide Register-Based Study.Drugs - real world outcomes · 2026Article
- Prescribing of anti-dementia medications in primary care: A retrospective cohort study in 1489 English General Practices.PloS one · 2026Article
- Evaluating care pathways in Alzheimer's disease: a qualitative interview study with GPs in England.BMJ open · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAcetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are routinely prescribed for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). National guidance advises GPs to initiate memantine for patients already taking an AChEI, as it offers small benefits for moderate-to-severe AD, with good tolerability. But this is not routinely done, potentially depriving patients of a beneficial treatment.
aimTo assess prescribing for AD in general practice, to explore factors influencing prescribing, and to identify additional education needs. DESIGN &
settingMixed-methods study involving GPs in England.
methodAn online survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Survey responses were analysed in StataNow (version 18.5). Interview transcriptions were coded in NVivo (version 14) by two researchers, who agreed themes. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were integrated and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and behaviour change wheel (BCW).
resultsSurvey responders (
conclusionLimited time, patchy support, and Quality and Outcomes Framework downgrading contribute to a perception that dementia is not prioritised in general practice. Local systems for diagnosis and treatment reinforce GPs' feelings of inadequacy. GPs assess the impact of AD on patients and families but may not map assessments to a disease stage for memantine initiation. Interventions to change practice should boost knowledge and confidence; local pathways should clearly reflect national guidance.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.