One-third of older adults with cognitive disorders are taking prescription drugs that could harm them
Adults 65 and older with cognitive disorders such as dementia are more likely to suffer negative effects from drugs that treat central nervous system conditions, including anxiety, sleep problems and psychosis. This means more emergency department visits, more frequent and longer hospitalizations, poorer mental health and a greater risk of premature death.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that one-third of older adults with cognitive disorders are taking prescription drugs that could potentially harm them. These medications, which include treatments for anxiety, sleep issues, and psychosis, can impair balance, coordination, and cognition in older adults.
The research, conducted by a team at the University at Buffalo, found that the usage of these potentially harmful drugs declined from 39.3% in 2011 to 29.3% in 2022 among 2,796 older adults with cognitive disorders living independently. While this represents a positive trend, the study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to closely collaborate with community pharmacists and home care nurses to ensure medication safety.
This process, known as "deprescribing," involves removing inappropriate medications or adjusting dosages. The researchers used the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria, a list of medications potentially harmful to older adults, and identified additional risks specific to those with cognitive disorders. Despite the progress made over the past decade, the study highlights the continued need for vigilance, as one-third of the older adult population with cognitive disorders is still exposed to these potentially harmful drugs.
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