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

Polypharmacy, which refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, is particularly common in older adults and is associated with several significant risks. One of the primary concerns is the increased risk of adverse drug interactions. As individuals age, their bodies often process medications differently due to changes in metabolism, organ function, and the presence of multiple comorbidities.

With multiple medications, the likelihood of drug-drug interactions rises, which can lead to harmful side effects or reduced efficacy of treatments. This can complicate the management of chronic conditions and may lead to hospitalizations or additional health care needs, further challenging an older adult's overall wellbeing.

In contrast, options such as enhanced medication adherence or improved overall health are not typically associated with polypharmacy. In fact, managing several medications can often lead to confusion and non-adherence. Similarly, polypharmacy is generally linked to higher, not lower, healthcare costs due to the increased complexity of care and potential for adverse effects leading to more medical interventions.