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Changes in the aging brain as they affect psychotropics: a review
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|January 1, 1988
Summary
As people age, brain changes affect how psychotropic drugs work. This review highlights central nervous system changes to guide physicians in prescribing medications for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aging is associated with significant neuroanatomic and neurochemical alterations in the brain.
- Traditional focus on pharmacokinetic changes in elderly psychotropic drug prescribing overlooks crucial central nervous system effects.
- Understanding age-related brain changes is vital for optimizing pharmacotherapy in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related neuroanatomic and neurochemical changes in the brain.
- To emphasize how these central changes impact the efficacy and safety of psychotropic medications.
- To enhance physician awareness of brain-specific aging effects when prescribing for the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroanatomic and neurochemical changes associated with aging.
- Focus on changes relevant to psychotropic drug response.
- Synthesis of information to inform clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Aging alters brain structure and neurochemistry, influencing drug distribution and action.
- These central changes can modify the therapeutic and adverse effects of psychotropic drugs.
- Pharmacokinetic (peripheral) considerations alone are insufficient for elderly psychotropic prescribing.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must consider central, brain-based aging changes when prescribing psychotropic drugs.
- Increased awareness of neurobiological shifts with aging can improve patient outcomes.
- A balanced approach considering both central and peripheral changes is essential for geriatric psychopharmacology.