Tag: Deprescribing

The prevalence of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) in elderly populations is estimated to be 41% [1.4.1]. This high medication use is a primary reason why older adults are the population group most prone to drug-drug interactions, which can lead to significant harm [1.2.1].

The average lifespan is increasing globally, and with it comes a growing older population facing cardiovascular disease risk. For this demographic, a key question for patients and clinicians is, "At what age is statin no longer beneficial?" The answer is not a simple number, but rather a nuanced assessment that depends on whether the medication is used for primary or secondary prevention and the patient's overall health.

Concerns over long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), including risks of fractures and nutritional deficiencies, have led many to question their use [1.7.5, 1.7.1]. This guide explains how do you transition from PPI to H2 blocker safely and effectively under medical supervision.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of people aged 65 and older taking five or more prescriptions has tripled over the last two decades. When considering **how many medications can I take at once**, the real concern is not the specific number, but rather the potential for harmful drug-drug interactions and adverse side effects, a phenomenon known as polypharmacy. Understanding these risks and actively managing your medication regimen is crucial for protecting your health.

Globally, around 57 million people are affected by dementia, a number expected to nearly triple by 2050. Growing evidence raises concerns about which drug has been associated with increased dementia in the elderly, pointing primarily towards common prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Over 90% of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription medication monthly, underscoring the critical need for robust medication safety measures. This is where the Beers Criteria comes in—it is an essential tool used for screening for potentially inappropriate medications in this vulnerable population to improve prescribing practices.

In Australia, the prevalence of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use was 12.6 per 100 people in 2016, with usage highest among those over 65 [1.7.2]. This widespread use raises a critical question: **Can you take PPI for 20 years** without significant health consequences?

Studies show that a high Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB), the cumulative effect of taking medications with anticholinergic properties, is linked to a higher risk of dementia. But what is a ACB medication and how is this burden measured?

According to a 2023 study published in *PMC*, the prevalence of adults using five or more drugs has continually increased in the U.S.. Understanding **how many meds are considered polypharmacy** and its associated risks is crucial for improving medication safety and overall health outcomes, particularly among older adults.

Approximately 50% of medications for chronic conditions are not taken as prescribed, leading to significant health risks [1.7.4]. The question, **is it safe to take pause medicine?**, often arises. This refers to a planned 'drug holiday,' a decision that requires careful medical supervision.