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New Reports Highlight Overuse of Drugs in Older Adults
Confirmed
In Short: New reports 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. These drugs may impair balance, coordination, and cognition that can translate into falls and fractures and motor vehicle accidents.
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, says Parteep, COO of HelpAge India, quoted in The Indian Express.
What this adds
The reports add to the ongoing investigation into the overuse of certain drugs among older adults, suggesting that benzodiazepines and HIV medications may pose significant risks. Older adults with HIV face additional challenges due to combined stigma from age and HIV status, leading to delays in treatment and reluctance to disclose sexual activity.
The sources have not established the exact number of older adults overusing these drugs or the specific regions where this is most prevalent.
Background
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.
Medical researchers are investigating the overuse of certain drugs among older adults, suggesting that benzodiazepines and HIV medications may pose significant risks.
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. These drugs may impair balance, coordination, and cognition that can translate into falls and fractures and motor vehicle accidents.
- 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, says Parteep, COO of HelpAge India, quoted in The Indian Express.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.