Study Finds High Medication Use Linked to Increased Death Risk in Older Adults
A recent study has raised alarms about the dangers of older adults taking multiple prescription medications. Researchers found that seniors who use five or more medications are at a significantly greater risk of dying compared to those on fewer drugs. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The research, led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, analyzed data from 7,828 adults aged 65 and older, collected over a span from 1999 to 2016. Trained staff checked participants’ pill bottles to ensure accurate reporting of medication use for the past month and followed their health for an average of 8.5 years.
A concerning statistic revealed that over half of the participants, 54.3%, were using at least one high-risk medication category. Among these, a sizable group was identified as experiencing polypharmacy, meaning they were taking five or more prescriptions.
The study also highlighted that about 37.6% of participants were on medications considered risky for older adults, which can lead to confusion or falls. Additionally, 11.4% were taking combinations of drugs known for causing serious interactions.
Pharmacist Katy Dubinsky, who was not involved in the study, indicated that people on multiple medications often have more health issues, which can also contribute to higher mortality. The findings showed that taking five or more prescriptions was associated with a 38% higher risk of death. Each added medication was linked to a 7% increase in mortality risk.
Experts from Cleveland Clinic recognized that multiple medications can lead to side effects, adverse reactions, and accidental overdoses, especially as aging bodies process drugs less effectively.
The researchers believe these findings could assist doctors in identifying patients who might benefit from reducing unnecessary medications, a process known as “deprescribing.” They found that the total number of medications a person took was the strongest predictor of mortality risk, even after considering drug interactions and inappropriate prescriptions.
However, the study had some limitations. It focused only on older adults living in the community, excluding those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Also, medication use was checked at just one point in time, meaning any changes in prescriptions or health conditions afterward could not be tracked.
Experts stress that while these findings show an association, they do not prove that the medications caused the increased risk. Dubinsky advised against anyone stopping their medications based solely on this study. Instead, she suggests that individuals on multiple drugs should have regular discussions with their healthcare provider about their medications, including the reasons for each one, if they are still needed, and if the dosage is appropriate.
