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Polypharmacy in the elderly: can comprehensive geriatric assessment reduce inappropriate medication use?
Giuseppe Sergi1, Marina De Rui, Silvia Sarti
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Geriatrics Division, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. giuseppe.sergi@unipd.it
Drugs & Aging
|July 5, 2011
Summary
Polypharmacy in older adults is rising, increasing risks. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) helps optimize medication by reducing unnecessary drugs and addressing under-treatment for better elderly care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Polypharmacy, defined as the use of multiple medications, is a growing concern in the elderly population (>65 years).
- Increased life expectancy, co-morbidities, and adherence to clinical guidelines contribute to polypharmacy.
- Negative consequences include higher risks of adverse drug reactions and reduced medication efficacy due to poor compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing impact of polypharmacy in the elderly.
- To underscore the role of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in achieving appropriate pharmacological treatment for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of the role of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in managing polypharmacy.
- Emphasis on integrating CGA findings with evidence-based guidelines for personalized medication regimens.
- Discussion of periodic medication review for elderly patients with increasing co-morbidities.
Main Results:
- CGA effectively reduces the number of prescriptions and daily drug doses by discontinuing unnecessary medications.
- CGA optimizes treatment by identifying and addressing under-treatment.
- CGA facilitates prioritization of diseases and considers patient prognosis, social, and economic factors.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is crucial for managing polypharmacy in frail elderly patients.
- Multidimensional and multidisciplinary efforts are essential to address polypharmacy-related issues.
- Integrating CGA with clinical guidelines ensures safer and more effective pharmacological treatment for the elderly.
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