Polypharmacy Statistics in Our Seniors. A Much Bigger Problem Than You Think!

💊 Approximately 50% of older adults are affected by polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications simultaneously.

💊 Medication Errors: Studies indicate that 20% of geriatric patients experience medication errors due to polypharmacy, leading to adverse drug events and unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations.

💊 Hospitalizations: An estimated 30% of older adults hospitalized for adverse drug reactions are related to polypharmacy and mismanaged medications.

💊 Cognitive Impairment: Polypharmacy is linked to a 50% increase in the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly patients.

💊 Medication Adherence: About 40% of older adults struggle with medication adherence due to complex regimens, increasing the risk of health complications. The fewer medications a person is prescribed, the higher compliance rates.

💊 Cost Implications: The annual cost of hospitalizations due to medication-related issues in older adults exceeds $177 billion in the U.S. That is mind blowing!!!

💊 Quality of Life: Polypharmacy negatively impacts the quality of life, with 60% of older patients reporting reduced functional abilities. This can be reduced physical, or cognitive function, or both.

💊 Drug Interactions: Older adults are at a higher risk for drug-drug interactions. These more medications one takes, the higher risk of interactions. Also, the aged body is not as efficient in clearing medication and becomes hypersensitive with age.

💊 Falls and Injuries: Polypharmacy contributes to a 50% increase in fall-related injuries among older adults.

💊 💊 A Comprehensive Geriatric Medication Review can reduce medication-related problems by up to 50%, help in optimizing functional status and increased quality of life.

www.GeriatricMedicineConsulting.com