Drug therapy in the elderly: effects on mental status

Am Fam Physician. 1987 Oct;36(4):149-52.

Abstract

Persons over age 65 receive 25 to 30 percent of all drug prescriptions. Since the elderly often require numerous medications for multiple medical problems, the opportunity for deleterious drug interactions is increased. Overmedication, coupled with the older patient's susceptibility to drug toxicity, increases the risk of poor compliance and behavioral disturbances.

MeSH terms

  • Aged*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / chemically induced
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Processes / drug effects*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents