Elderly Illnesses and Drugs

The elderly are becoming a larger part of our population, with the number over 85 expected to triple by 2050. This growing group of patients needs to be recognized as a priority for health care providers.

Elderly Illnesses

Older people are at risk for many diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, hearing loss, vision loss, and more. These illnesses can make it difficult for older people to stay at home or continue to live independently.

Often, they have more than one chronic medical disorder and need medication to treat multiple conditions. These drugs tend to be taken for years and may cause side effects.

Drugs Help Control Illnesses

For example, medications for high blood pressure (antihypertensives) can prevent a heart attack or stroke. Antibiotics can kill or slow the growth of bacteria that cause pneumonia and other serious infections.

They can also keep infections at bay and protect older people from developing new ones. These medications also can help reduce symptoms and discomfort of certain types of pain.

Drugs Can Lead to Harm

Because of the accumulated pathology in the body, drugs can be less effective in an older person's body and increase the chance of side effects, such as nausea or abnormal heart rhythms. This is especially true of medications that dissolve in water and are eliminated by the kidneys.





In addition, many medications interact with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. For example, some antipsychotics can make it hard for elderly people to get enough sleep and are more likely to cause problems with breathing or agitation. This is a concern for elderly people who are taking many drugs, especially those to treat heart disease or diabetes.