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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A class of drugs commonly prescribed to older adults is linked to impaired physical function. Researchers say older adults taking anticholinergic medications have function loss similar to someone three to four years older.
The study was led by researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. They say many medications have anticholinergic properties, including some for high blood pressure, some antidepressants, most allergy medicines and incontinence medicines. Often times, an older adult can be taking one or more of these medicines at the same time.
For the research, more than 3,000 people with an average age of 78 were included. Forty percent of them were taking more than one anticholinergic drug. The participants were evaluated on walking speed and everyday activities such as dressing, shopping and cooking. They found those on the drug were more likely to walk slower and be dependent in one or more daily living activities.
In a separate study, researchers found nursing home residents who took this class of drugs had a 50 percent faster decline in function compared to those not on an anticholinergic medication.
Because these medications are so commonly prescribed, older adults who take multiple medications are at increased risk of taking one or more anticholinergic-containing medications, Kaycee Sink, M.D., lead author of the study, was quoted as saying. The potential side effects on physical function represent a significant public health problem.
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SOURCE: Presented at the American Geriatrics Society Meeting in Washington, DC on May 3, 2008
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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