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Polypharmacy Cut-Off for Gait and Cognitive Impairments
Antoine Langeard1, Kristell Pothier1, Remy Morello2
1Normandie Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, COMETE Caen, France.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|September 16, 2016
Summary
Polypharmacy, taking five or more daily medications, significantly increases the risk of mobility and cognitive impairments in older adults. This finding highlights a critical threshold for medication management in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Polypharmacy is a known fall risk in aging populations.
- The impact of polypharmacy on mobility and cognitive function is understudied.
- Existing polypharmacy cut-offs are often arbitrary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between polypharmacy and impairments in mobility and cognition.
- To establish a statistically determined threshold for polypharmacy's adverse effects.
Main Methods:
- 113 community-dwelling adults aged 55+ with a fall history were enrolled.
- Data on daily medication use were collected.
- Mobility (Time-Up-and-Go) and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MoCA) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both Time-Up-and-Go and MoCA scores correlated significantly with the number of medications used.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis identified five or more daily medications as a predictor of impaired mobility and cognition (p < 0.002).
- These associations remained significant regardless of comorbidities or drug classes.
Conclusions:
- Adults 55+ taking five or more daily medications face a high risk of mobility and cognitive decline.
- Healthcare providers and patients should recognize this five-medication threshold.
- Awareness is crucial, particularly with multiple prescribers involved in patient care.
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