Home · Health · Sep 20 archive
New Reports Highlight Overuse of Certain Drugs in Older Adults
Confirmed
In Short: New reports from Kffhealthnews and Medscape highlight the overuse of certain drugs among older adults, including benzodiazepines and HIV medications.
Medical researchers are increasingly finding that commonly prescribed drugs may be less effective or more risky for older patients than previously thought, according to new reports from Kffhealthnews and Medscape. The scenario often begins with a drug investigation revealing that its benefits for older patients do not outweigh its risks, leading to potential additions to the Beers Criteria, an influential list of medications that may be inappropriate for older patients.
Benzodiazepines and related 'Z' drugs, such as Valium, Xanax, and Ambien, are being scrutinized for their potential to impair balance, coordination, and cognition in older adults, leading to falls, fractures, and accidents, says Mark Olfson, quoted in Kffhealthnews.
Older individuals with HIV often face combined stigma from age and HIV status, leading to delays in treatment and reluctance to disclose sexual activity, which can be particularly true for those who are not heterosexual.
By 2025, an estimated 11.5 million individuals aged 50 years or older will be living with HIV, presenting both clinical and social challenges, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where nearly all older adults are expected to live.
Getting tired more easily, feeling breathless after a short walk, or slowing down physically can seem like an inevitable part of getting older. But a new or noticeable change from an older person’s usual routine deserves attention.
Some older adults may also experience disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, or difficulty carrying out routine daily activities. These symptoms can sometimes be early warning signs of heart failure, blocked arteries, valve disease, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Isolation, neglect, and inadequate family support can significantly delay healthcare-seeking behavior among older adults, particularly those who have become financially dependent, according to Parteep, COO of HelpAge India, quoted in The Indian Express.
What this adds
The reports add to the ongoing discussion about the appropriateness of certain medications for older adults, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management of drug use in this population.
Background
New reports from Kffhealthnews and Medscape highlight the overuse of certain drugs among older adults, including benzodiazepines and HIV medications.
As more individuals are living longer with HIV, clinicians face new challenges in managing the long-term effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) alongside other health issues common in older adults, according to a report in Medscape.
What's confirmed
- Medical researchers are increasingly finding that commonly prescribed drugs may be less effective or more risky for older patients than previously thought, according to new reports from Kffhealthnews and Medscape. The scenario often begins with a drug investigation revealing that its benefits for older patients do not outweigh its risks, leading to potential additions to the Beers Criteria, an influential list of medications that may be inappropriate for older patients.
- Benzodiazepines and related 'Z' drugs, such as Valium, Xanax, and Ambien, are being scrutinized for their potential to impair balance, coordination, and cognition in older adults, leading to falls, fractures, and accidents, says Mark Olfson, quoted in Kffhealthnews.
- Older individuals with HIV often face combined stigma from age and HIV status, leading to delays in treatment and reluctance to disclose sexual activity, which can be particularly true for those who are not heterosexual.
- By 2025, an estimated 11.5 million individuals aged 50 years or older will be living with HIV, presenting both clinical and social challenges, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where nearly all older adults are expected to live.
- Getting tired more easily, feeling breathless after a short walk, or slowing down physically can seem like an inevitable part of getting older. But a new or noticeable change from an older person’s usual routine deserves attention.
- Some older adults may also experience disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, or difficulty carrying out routine daily activities. These symptoms can sometimes be early warning signs of heart failure, blocked arteries, valve disease, or other cardiovascular conditions.
- Isolation, neglect, and inadequate family support can significantly delay healthcare-seeking behavior among older adults, particularly those who have become financially dependent, according to Parteep, COO of HelpAge India, quoted in The Indian Express.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.