SURVEY OF DRUG-USE BY THE ELDERLY AND POSSIBLE IMPACT OF DRUGS ON NUTRITIONAL-STATUS

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 3  (2) , 73-86
Abstract
The drug consumption of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly in the central Kentucky area was surveyed. The 259 subjects above age 60 were randomly selected and consisted of 122 institutionalized and 137 noninstitutionalized subjects. Individual data on age, sex, drug intake, dosage and health status were recorded. The drugs taken were categorized by their pharmacologic action, and the number of subjects on each drug was recorded. Institutionalized elderly subjects had a significantly higher drug intake (average 5.2 drugs a day) than noninstitutionalized elderly subjects (average 1.6 drugs a day). A consistent increase was found in the average number of drugs used with increasing age. The medications most frequently used were drugs used for cardiovascular disease, for the CNS and for constipation. Aspirin and Tylenol were also commonly used. Institutionalized elderly subjects had especially high intakes of these drugs. The possible impact of these drugs on the nutritional status of the eldery was discussed. Some medications for long-term use may exert serious adverse effects on the nutritional status.

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