Overuse arises from the prescribing of medications that are either contraindicated for seniors or without appropriate indication for use of the drug. Misuse occurs when drugs are prescribed at inappropriate dosages, for inappropriate durations, in some other way that introduces unnecessary risk or, possibly, if anticipated outcomes are not being achieved. High rates of questionable medication use have been reported in population-based studies. Individualized reviews of medications used by ambulatory patients report that concerns about appropriateness were common. The average age was 80.9 years and the mean 3MS score was 61.5.
Medication use Ninety-two percent of participants reported using medication.
Participants were taking an average of 4.5 medications. Depression is often inadequately treated in the elderly. They were more likely to be receiving other types of psychotropics than antidepressants. Studies have shown that ASA prevents strokes in patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack and ticlopidine therapy is beneficial in both men and women who have had a recent stroke. For inappropriate medication use, reported risk factors include greater number of medications used, female sex, poor self rated health and geographic region of residence.