Blood test could help avoid rise in mixed prescriptions for the elderly

A groundbreaking blood test could help prevent the rise of polypharmacy, the practice of prescribing multiple medications to elderly patients. This growing issue primarily affects older adults in the United Arab Emirates, with a study revealing that 60 percent of surveyed patients over 60 took at least five different medications, with 40 percent taking ten or more.

Anticholinergics, a class of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders, bladder and stomach problems, or lung conditions, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia when mixed with other drugs. As medications accumulate, they can interact with the body in ways that are different from when taken alone, posing a significant risk for seniors.

Dr. Arya Ayyappan, a specialist in internal medicine at NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that polypharmacy is a common problem among elderly patients, particularly those with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac issues. The global population aged 60 and over is projected to nearly double by 2050, rising to 22 percent of the world's population.

Dr. Yasmeen Ajaz, a consultant endocrinologist at Medcare Al Safa, highlights that problems arise when the combination of medications becomes difficult to manage, duplicates, or when the risks and side-effects outweigh the benefits. Regular medication reviews are crucial for older adults and those taking multiple long-term medicines, as the body processes medicines differently with age, and kidney and liver function may gradually change.

The solution does not necessarily lie in reducing the number of medications but ensuring that each one is appropriate, necessary, and monitored. A UK research program funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is exploring how genetic information could be incorporated into routine prescriptions. This research aims to avoid adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, or more severe problems that can be dangerous for the elderly and lead to fall-related fractures.

Dr. Diana Baralle, co-director at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, notes that this step is crucial towards bringing the benefits of genomic medicine into everyday healthcare.

For patients like Zenia Noronha, a pharmacist living in Dubai, her mother's experience exemplifies the challenges faced by older adults. Despite trying alternative medicine, Dr. Noronha's mother was prescribed an asthmatic inhaler on their recent trip to Canada for her niece's wedding, despite her existing medications for diabetes and blood pressure.

Regular review of medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, is essential to avoid negative interactions and ensure optimal health outcomes for the elderly population.