What is a common risk associated with polypharmacy in older adults?

What is a common risk associated with polypharmacy in older adults?

• A. Enhanced therapeutic effects of medications
• B. Lowered risks of chronic diseases
• C. Increased risk of adverse drug reactions
• D. Improved memory functions

Answer: (C)

The increased risk of adverse drug reactions is a significant concern in older adults who experience polypharmacy, which refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications. As the number of medications increases, the likelihood of drug-drug interactions also rises, potentially leading to unexpected side effects, diminished effectiveness of treatments, or even harmful consequences. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects due to factors such as age-related changes in metabolism, liver and kidney function, and the presence of multiple comorbidities that may alter how medications are metabolized and excreted. Enhanced therapeutic effects and improved memory functions are not commonly associated with polypharmacy, as the interactions between multiple medications can often negate therapeutic benefits or lead to confusion, rather than enhance cognitive function. Similarly, polypharmacy does not lower the risks of chronic diseases; in fact, it can complicate management of these conditions and increase the overall burden of disease management. Therefore, the heightened risk of adverse drug reactions is a critical issue for healthcare providers to monitor when managing medication regimens in older adults.

The increased risk of adverse drug reactions is a significant concern in older adults who experience polypharmacy, which refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications. As the number of medications increases, the likelihood of drug-drug interactions also rises, potentially leading to unexpected side effects, diminished effectiveness of treatments, or even harmful consequences. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects due to factors such as age-related changes in metabolism, liver and kidney function, and the presence of multiple comorbidities that may alter how medications are metabolized and excreted.

Enhanced therapeutic effects and improved memory functions are not commonly associated with polypharmacy, as the interactions between multiple medications can often negate therapeutic benefits or lead to confusion, rather than enhance cognitive function. Similarly, polypharmacy does not lower the risks of chronic diseases; in fact, it can complicate management of these conditions and increase the overall burden of disease management. Therefore, the heightened risk of adverse drug reactions is a critical issue for healthcare providers to monitor when managing medication regimens in older adults.