A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society emphasizes that older adults who take five or more prescribed medications per day face a higher risk of mortality. The research, led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff of the University of Michigan, analyzed data from 7,828 older adults collected between 1999 and 2016.
More than 40% of participants exhibited polypharmacy. Additionally, 37.6% used high-risk medications that could cause adverse effects, such as confusion or falls. 11.4% took drug combinations with dangerous interactions.
Polypharmacy is a medical term that refers to taking five or more prescription medications a day, and its long-term effects in aging populations.
Increased risk of mortality
The results indicate that the use of five or more medications increases the risk of mortality by 38%. Each additional medication increases the risk by 7%, it was outlined in a statement.
Experts emphasize that polypharmacy can result in side effects and accidental overdoses, particularly in elderly patients.
“People who take more medications tend to have more underlying health problems, which may also contribute to their higher risk of mortality,” Katy Dubinsky, a New York-based pharmacist and founder of PostGigs, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
The researchers suggest that the findings can guide doctors in the “deprescribing” process, helping to identify patients who could benefit from reducing unnecessary medications, taking into account their health conditions.
Most common symptoms of polypharmacy
The most common symptoms of polypharmacy-related side effects in older adults include dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, digestive problems (such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel pattern), sensory disturbances (taste and smell), falls, mental confusion, and nutritional imbalances.
General and neurological symptoms
Digestive and nutritional problems
If you suspect that an older adult is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to review medication and consider adjustments or reductions as necessary.
