Polypharmacy (multiple meds.) Effects

Polypharmacy poses a risk for Falls, Mobility and GI tract disturbances

What is it?
Polypharmacy is the regular co-prescription of multiple drugs
These can include anti-depressants, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety, anti-seizure, sleep disorders), pain medications, diuretics, heart medications and anticoagulants.

Quick Facts

The use of 4 or more drugs co-prescribed can pose a risk for increased falls and severity of falls.(Dhalwani, N.N., Fahami, R., Sathanapally, H., Seidu, S., Davies, M.J., & Khunti, K. 2017. Association between polypharmacy and falls in older adults: a longitudinal study from England, British Medical Journal, 7)

Risks of damage such as hip fractures is 23 times higher.(Lai, S.W., Liao, K.F., Muo, C.H., Liu, C.S., & Sung, F.C. 2012. Polypharmacy correlates with increased risk for hip fracture in the elderly: a population-based study, Medicine, 85(5):295-9. )

When a new drug complication is mistaken as a new medical problem and an additional drug is prescribed which places the patient at further risk of developing another drug related problem - "prescribing cascade" (Vishal, J., & Pitchumoni, C.S. 2009. Gastrointestinal side effects of prescription medications in other older adult, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 43(2): 103-110. )

What are Effects on Falls and Mobility?

Because...

It is estimated that the prevalence of polypharmacy in the elderly ranges from 30%-90%, the higher end being those in aged care facilities.

Polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse reactions, inappropriate prescriptions, drug interactions, number of hospitalizations, costs and death.

Then...

A persons mobility and therefore strength and muscle reflex is severely compromised. Their risk of falls and the severity of the falls increases dramatically.

It is a difficult situation...

How does a person compensate for all the drug interactions along with the aging process they are experiencing?

No matter what is happening, the persons body needs to retain hydration, body weight (food intake), movement and muscle development. These things also aid the effectiveness of the medications and daily detoxification.

Having a regular review of all drugs being taken is important and necessary. Perhaps some can be eliminated? Remember quality of life counts !!

www.healthisfreedom.net

Comments

Empower Yourself About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Empower Yourself The Science… Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that develops when normal levels of insulin are no longer producing the correct response from cells. In healthy people, insulin binds to insulin-receptor proteins on the cell membrane, signaling to the cell to transport glucose from the blood into the cell. Once in the cell, it is used to create energy for cellular processes, or it can be stored as glycogen to be used later. A problem arises however, with insulin resistance. This means that cells do not take up the glucose, causing sugar levels in the blood to remain high. In an effort to transport glucose from the blood to the cells, the pancreas produces more insulin which circulates in the bloodstream. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance is characteristic of ‘metabolic syndrome’ – a condition that combines obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. Eventually, the p...

Smoothie Recipe for a Healthy Brain

A Delicious Smoothie for a Healthy Brain! By now, many of us understand that the key to good health comes from a healthy diet. The nutrients in our food literally feeds our body and gives it information that moves it toward health or toward disease. While I understand that it isn’t always easy to make healthy food choices, I do believe that some simple life-hacks can help us be more successful. Here is a smoothie that I designed to be a meal replacement . It is perfect for those who have very busy schedules and often skip meals, those with low appetite and is an excellent substitute for a Boost or Ensure. I specially selected the ingredients in this particular smoothie to be great for lowering inflammation and boosting cognitive function. Super-Powered Brain Smoothie ½ cup cold brewed green tea – anti-inflammatory, packed with antioxidants and cancer-preventative properties. ½ cup plain kefir – a fermented food that contains goo...

Mild Cognitive Impairement (MCI) - Not inevitable !

Benefits of Exercise on MCI Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is easily noticeable by people, but it is not serious enough to restrict people’s daily life. However, having MCI raises the chances of developing dementia, Alzheimer, or other memory related conditions (Rosenberg et al., 2013). In general; assuming “overall loss of cognitive abilities with aging” is a very common misconception with most people. Actually, cognitive decline with aging may mostly be prevented or improved with healthy lifestyle such as regular vigorous exercise routines and a well-constructed diet. Sound difficult? It is not really! MCI can be developed from several factors which include long term use of specific medications, sensory changes (hearing, visual loss with aging or pain from physical condition such as arthritis), and changes in mood due to altered hormonal ...

Search This Blog