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Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in Polypharmacy

Claudene J George1, Joe Verghese2

  • 1Montefiore Medical Center, Division of Geriatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|February 25, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is linked to a higher risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a predementia condition. This finding suggests polypharmacy may be a reversible risk factor for dementia.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait and cognitive complaints.
  • While risk factors for MCR exist, few are reversible, highlighting the need to identify modifiable factors.
  • Polypharmacy, defined as using five or more regularly scheduled medications, is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between polypharmacy and the prevalence of MCR in older adults.
  • To determine if polypharmacy is an independent risk factor for MCR.
  • To explore potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the community-based Health and Retirement Study cohort.
  • Inclusion of 1119 adults aged 65 years and older.
  • MCR defined as cognitive complaints and slow gait without dementia; polypharmacy defined as use of five or more regular medications.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of MCR was 10% in participants with polypharmacy versus 6% in those without.
  • Individuals using polypharmacy had 1.8 times the odds of meeting MCR criteria compared to those not using polypharmacy (CI=1.0-3.0, P=.035).
  • This association remained significant after adjusting for high-risk medication use.

Conclusions:

  • Polypharmacy is associated with MCR in older adults.
  • Polypharmacy represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia.
  • Further research is warranted to explore interventions targeting polypharmacy to mitigate dementia risk.
Keywords:
motoric cognitive risk syndromepolypharmacyprevalence

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