Older adults taking multiple medications face challenges in rehabilitation recovery, particularly those over 80, according to a new study published in BMC Geriatrics.
A recent study has revealed that older adults discharged from hospitals on multiple medications are less likely to regain their independence during rehabilitation. The research, conducted in Japan, focused on the effects of polypharmacy—defined as the use of six or more regular medications—at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital.
Published in the journal BMC Geriatrics on December 17, the retrospective observational study examined 1,903 patients aged 65 and older who underwent rehabilitation at the facility from April 2017 to March 2024. The patients were diagnosed with one of three conditions: cerebrovascular disease, motor disorder, or disuse syndrome.
Cerebrovascular disease refers to disorders affecting the brain’s blood vessels, which can reduce or block blood flow. Motor disorders impact movement and muscle control, while disuse syndrome results from inactivity, leading to muscle weakness and physical decline.
Among the study participants, 62.1% were taking six or more medications at the time of their hospital discharge, with over 76% of these patients being 80 years or older. The analysis found that those on multiple medications were more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepine receptor agonists, which are commonly used for anxiety or insomnia, as well as laxatives and psychotropic medications aimed at treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
The researchers discovered that patients with polypharmacy who suffered from cerebrovascular disease and disuse syndrome scored significantly lower on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). This assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities independently, particularly following illness, injury, or hospitalization. However, no significant link was found between polypharmacy and FIM scores in patients with motor disorders.
The adverse effects of polypharmacy were notably more pronounced among adults over 80 and those recovering from stroke-related conditions or general weakness due to inactivity. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that healthcare providers review and potentially reduce unnecessary medications to enhance recovery outcomes for patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, describes polypharmacy among seniors as a “risky proposition.” He emphasizes that while each medication may serve an important purpose, the ability to tolerate and metabolize various drugs diminishes with age.
“For example, a medication that sedates or disorients a patient may have a more pronounced effect as they grow older,” Dr. Siegel noted in an interview with Fox News Digital. He also pointed out that the likelihood of drug interactions increases as patients age, underscoring the importance of careful monitoring by healthcare providers. “Sometimes, less is more,” he added.
Despite the study’s significant findings, the researchers acknowledged several limitations. The retrospective and observational nature of the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between medications and rehabilitation outcomes. Additionally, the researchers lacked data on specific medication doses and the intensity of rehabilitation efforts. Conducted at a single hospital, the findings may not be generalizable to broader populations.
Future research is necessary to identify which specific medications most adversely affect recovery and to explore effective strategies for reducing prescriptions among older adults.
According to BMC Geriatrics, understanding the implications of polypharmacy is crucial for improving rehabilitation outcomes in older patients.