Older adults taking five or more prescription medications face a higher mortality risk compared to those with fewer medications, as shown by a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The research focuses on polypharmacy, which refers to the use of five or more daily prescriptions, and its impacts on aging populations.
Led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, the study analyzed national survey data from 7,828 adults aged 65 and older, collected between 1999 and 2016. Staff inspected participants’ pill bottles to verify medication use over 30 days and followed them for an average of 8.5 years.
More than half of the participants fell into at least one high-risk medication category. Notably, 54.3% of older adults were taking risky medications, including those that could cause confusion or falls.
The study found that 37.6% of participants used medications considered risky for older individuals. Furthermore, 11.4% were on medication combinations known to cause significant drug interactions. After adjusting for overall health and underlying conditions, taking five or more prescriptions correlated with a 38% increase in mortality risk. Each additional medication added a 7% increase in death risk.
Medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic highlight that taking multiple medications heightens the chance of side effects, adverse drug reactions, and accidental overdose, especially as aging affects liver and kidney function. Researchers suggest these findings could assist doctors in identifying patients who may benefit from safely reducing unnecessary medications.
The number of medications was the strongest independent predictor of mortality, surpassing other factors such as drug-to-drug interactions or inappropriate prescriptions. These insights may guide healthcare providers in “deprescribing”—reducing or stopping unnecessary medications.
The study had limitations, focusing on community-dwelling older adults while excluding those in nursing homes. The study’s framework did not allow tracking of changes in prescriptions or health conditions over time. Experts caution that observational studies indicate association rather than causation. Older adults on several prescriptions often face multiple, severe health conditions, contributing to higher mortality risk.
Khloe Quill, a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital, covers topics like food, travel, and health.
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