Taking 5+ Prescription Drugs May Increase Risk of Death Among Older Adults
Older adults who take five or more prescription medications are at a significantly higher risk of death compared to those taking fewer drugs, according to a study. Those taking 5 or more meds face a higher mortality rate than their counterparts on fewer medications.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older adults taking five or more prescription medications have a significantly higher risk of death compared to those taking fewer drugs. The research suggests that polypharmacy - the use of multiple medications at once - may be contributing to increased mortality rates among this age group. The exact mechanisms behind this association are not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that interactions between medications and potential adverse effects on health may play a role.