Too many meds in old age? Cutting back could be safe
The Times of India • • health
Key Points:
- A global review published in 'BMC Geriatrics' suggests that carefully stopping some long-term medicines in very frail older adults is often safe and does not increase deaths or major complications.
- Many elderly patients with advanced frailty or limited life expectancy are prescribed multiple drugs with unclear long-term benefits, which can increase risks like dizziness, weakness, confusion, and falls.
- Experts in India highlight the common issue of polypharmacy among the elderly, emphasizing that over-treatment can cause harm and that medicines such as aspirin for primary prevention and tightly controlled diabetes drugs may need reconsideration.
- Deprescribing should be done cautiously and under medical supervision, focusing on patient-centered care that aligns treatment with individual health goals and life expectancy.
- Reducing the number of medications often results in fewer falls, improved cognition, and better energy levels, challenging the assumption that more medicines always mean better care.
