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

Non-Pharmaceutical Parkinsons Treatment

What is a person “to do” while living with Parkinson’s’? Understandably, there are now more medications for the management of *symptoms, but what about the ‘aging senior’ that is labelled with this disease… Do not become the disease! This is difficult while managing everyday. Why not take some progressive action? But what action? Two important, successful treatments that provides numerous benefits to the PD senior are: 1) WBPA – Whole Body Periodic Acceleration therapy 2) Exercise Prescription/Therapy WBPA (or Exer-rest) has been shown to aid persons with PD. WBPA increases vasodilation through an increase in eNOS (nitric oxide) into the blood stream. This NO helps facilitate neuro-relaxation through specific neurotransmitters excitation. This has the effect of reducing fatigue, enhancing motor performance, recovery and overall mental awarene...

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...

Exercise and Movement is MEDICINE

If you believe that medicine will save your life, why do you not believe exercise or movement will? This topic is a common discussion we have with many folks, especially those over 70years of age. The idea that being sedentary, meaning moving less than 10% of your day which is a lot, can kill you is a stretch. However, not being able to move is a difficult thing for many elderly people. We cannot understate the value for those who may, with a little assistance and professional guidance, move better and increase mobility. Here are some very important reasons why exercise and movement is so important for seniors in particular. AND why intervention is helpful when mobility is difficult. 1. Falls Prevention and reflex maintenance It may come as no surprise that falls are the number one cause of fractures, trauma, loss of independence, injury and even death. Due to the falls, secondary infections during hospital admission and/or ...

Search This Blog