Polypharmacy in the Elderly: A Double-Edged Sword

Authors : Ercüment ÖZTÜRK, Sencer GANİDAĞLI, Zeynel Abidin ÖZTÜRK

Pages : 255-61

Doi:10.37990/medr.1183707

View : 20 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2023-05-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Polypharmacy is a very important geriatric syndrome related to critical health conditions. The purpose of this study is to research the association of polypharmacy with comprehensive geriatric assessment’s insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CGA); various parameters which are indicators of health and life quality in older individuals. Material and Methods: 515 older adults admitted to a university hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. Along with CGA, European Quality of Life insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EQ-5D); was performed on the participants. Geriatric Depression Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GDS); was used to evaluate depressive symptoms. Daily living activities were assessed by using Lawton & Brody index of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(IADL); and Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ADL);. The Full Mini-Nutritional Assessment insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MNA); questionnaire was performed to evaluate nutritional status. Results: The participants’ mean age was 72.2±6.3 years and 58.6% of them were female. 242 participants using 5 or more drugs were included in the polypharmacy group. The polypharmacy group had lower IADL, MNA, EQ-5D, Hand Grip Strength insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HGS);, and gait speed scores and higher GDS scores compared to those without polypharmacy. According to the correlation analysis results, the number of the medications had a moderate positive correlation with GDS scores and a moderate negative correlation with EQ-5D and MNA. Conclusion: As the number of medications increases; patients tend to have depression, malnutrition, and a decline in functional status. Polypharmacy also impairs the quality of life. We should address polypharmacy as a crucial health problem, optimize the number of medications and thereby make the health condition better.
Keywords : Polypharmacy, depression, daily living activities, malnutrition, quality of life