Potentially Inappropriate Medications May Trigger ‘Disability Cascade’ In Healthy Older Adults

Among community-dwelling, healthy older adults without heart disease, cognitive impairment, or significant physical disability, use of even one potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) was associated with 26% higher risk of hospitalization and 47% higher risk of new disability that limited at least one activity of daily living (ADL), such as walking, eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, or transitioning from a bed or chair. Among those using a PIM, the risk of disability followed by hospitalization was 92% higher, and the risk of hospitalization followed by persistent disability was 54% higher compared to those not using a PIM. The researchers concluded that . . .