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Published on: January 24, 2020
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Polypharmacy Is Associated with Lower Memory Function in African American Older Adults
Shervin Assari1, Cheryl Wisseh2, Mohammed Saqib3
1Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Brain Sciences
|January 23, 2020
Summary
Polypharmacy, or using multiple medications, is linked to poorer memory function in African American older adults. This finding highlights the need for memory screenings in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy is a growing concern among older adults.
- Limited research exists on polypharmacy's cognitive effects in economically challenged African American (AA) older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between polypharmacy and memory function in AA older adults.
- To identify potential risk factors for cognitive decline in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Community-based study of 399 AA older adults (65+ years) in economically disadvantaged South Los Angeles.
- Polypharmacy defined as taking 5+ medications; memory function assessed as a continuous variable.
- Linear regression analysis controlling for gender, age, living arrangement, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and multimorbidity.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy was significantly associated with lower memory function scores.
- The association remained significant after accounting for various covariates.
- Results suggest a potential link between polypharmacy and cognitive impairment in this population.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy may negatively impact memory function in African American older adults.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
- Screening for memory problems in AA older adults using multiple medications is recommended.
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