Tag: Geriatric pharmacology

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria explicitly lists benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, as potentially inappropriate medications for older adults due to their significant risks. For elderly patients, understanding why is lorazepam not good for the elderly is crucial for safe medication management and improved health outcomes.

Hospitalization rates due to adverse drug effects are 4 to 7 times higher in older patients than in younger patients. A primary contributor is polypharmacy, making it the most common cause of adverse drug reactions in older adults. This issue arises not only from the sheer volume of drugs but also from complex age-related changes in the body that alter how medications are processed and their effects are felt.

Over 50% of elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities experience urinary incontinence, which is frequently linked to dementia. Given the heightened sensitivity to adverse drug reactions, selecting what medication is used for incontinence in dementia patients requires careful consideration of cognitive side effects. Non-pharmacological strategies are often the first line of defense before exploring medication options.

According to the American Geriatrics Society, many commonly prescribed drugs, including some antidepressants, are considered potentially inappropriate for older adults due to heightened risks of adverse effects. Understanding which antidepressant should be avoided in the elderly is a critical step in providing safe and effective care for geriatric patients dealing with depression.

Studies show that age is a significant predictor for developing parkinsonism in trimetazidine users, with patients aged 65 years and older at a higher risk [1.4.8]. Understanding **what are the side effects of trimetazidine in the elderly** is crucial for safe prescribing and patient monitoring.

According to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), more than 90% of older people use at least one prescription medication monthly, underscoring the importance of safe prescribing guidelines. This is precisely why understanding **what is the age cut off for Beers Criteria** is essential for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

According to one study, individuals using certain anticholinergic drugs long-term were 54% more likely to develop dementia than those taking the same dose for less time. So, what does anticholinergic do to the brain? These medications block a crucial neurotransmitter, potentially affecting learning, memory, and overall cognitive function.