Geriatric Polypharmacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Medication Management for Older Adults

:

As we age, our bodies undergo a number of changes that can affect how we metabolize and respond to medications. This, coupled with the increased prevalence of chronic health conditions in older adults, can lead to a condition known as geriatric polypharmacy.

Geriatric Polypharmacy

by Kathleen Meehan Arias

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	572 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	73 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

What is Geriatric Polypharmacy?

Geriatric polypharmacy is defined as the use of five or more medications by an older adult. This is a common problem, with studies showing that up to 50% of older adults take five or more medications, and 20% take 10 or more medications.

Risks of Geriatric Polypharmacy:

Polypharmacy in older adults can increase the risk of a number of adverse events, including:

• Medication interactions
• Side effects
• Falls
• Confusion
• Hospitalization
• Death

Benefits of Geriatric Polypharmacy:

Despite the risks, polypharmacy can also provide important benefits for older adults by treating their chronic health conditions and improving their quality of life. However, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of polypharmacy in each individual patient.

Common Medications Used in Geriatric Polypharmacy:

The most common medications used in geriatric polypharmacy include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Diabetes medications
• Antidepressants
• Pain medications
• Antipsychotics

Managing Geriatric Polypharmacy:

There are a number of steps that can be taken to manage geriatric polypharmacy and reduce the risks of adverse events, including:

• Regular medication review: A comprehensive medication review should be conducted by a healthcare professional at least once a year to assess the need for each medication, identify potential interactions, and adjust doses as needed.
• Medication reconciliation: This process involves comparing the medications that a patient is taking with the medications that are prescribed by their healthcare providers to ensure that there are no discrepancies.
• Patient education: Patients should be educated about their medications, including how to take them, when to take them, and what side effects to watch for.
• Medication adherence: Patients should be supported in adhering to their medication regimens. This can include using pillboxes, setting up reminders, or having a family member or friend help with medication management.

Geriatric Polypharmacy: Kathleen Meehan Arias:

Kathleen Meehan Arias is a nationally recognized expert in geriatric polypharmacy. She is the author of the book Geriatric Polypharmacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Medication Management for Older Adults.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of geriatric polypharmacy, including the risks and benefits, common medications used, and strategies for managing polypharmacy in older adults. It is an essential resource for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and older adults who are interested in learning more about this important topic.

:

Geriatric polypharmacy is a common problem that can have serious consequences for older adults. However, it is important to remember that polypharmacy can also provide important benefits. The key is to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of polypharmacy in each individual patient and to develop a plan to manage medications safely and effectively.

Call to Action:

If you are an older adult who is taking multiple medications, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of polypharmacy. You can also learn more about geriatric polypharmacy by reading the book Geriatric Polypharmacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Medication Management for Older Adults by Kathleen Meehan Arias.

Author Bio:

Kathleen Meehan Arias is a nationally recognized expert in geriatric polypharmacy. She is the author of the book Geriatric Polypharmacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Medication Management for Older Adults.

Image Alt Attribute:

Geriatric polypharmacy: A comprehensive guide to medication management for older adults

Geriatric Polypharmacy

by Kathleen Meehan Arias

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	572 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	73 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE