Managing Meds Gets Harder With Aging

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego's Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences note older men and women are more likely to take a mix of medications to manage multiple chronic health issues related to aging, reports UC San Diego Health . Older people who take more drugs are at higher risk of adverse side effects, with common problems like thinking and balance difficulties stemming from anticholindergics for conditions such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, as well as sedatives and tranquilizers such as zolpidem and lorazepam. Meanwhile, older adults are sometimes prescribed a drug for a symptom or condition but fail to follow up with their doctor to see if they still need the drug or if the dose should be adjusted. Moreover, some medications tend to interact with other drugs with adverse effects. Because many seniors see more than one doctor, they can be confused about their medication, especially after hospitalization, when they are often prescribed even more drugs. "This is especially true during transitions of care, when a senior moves from a hospital to home or to a care community," notes Skaggs' Sarah Lorentz. She recommends seniors or caregivers make a comprehensive list of all medications, which should be on hand for medical appointments and trips to the pharmacy.