Abstract

Polypharmacy, the simultaneous administration of many medications, is common among older adults, frequently as a result of managing long-term health issues. Pharmacotherapy seeks to enhance health outcomes, but the growing complexity of prescription regimens raises worries about potential negative consequences, particularly in older individuals. This thesis examines the epidemiological effects of polypharmacy in older adults, specifically its correlation with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The research technique utilized in this study consisted of thoroughly examining current literature, epidemiological studies, and data analysis to explore the correlation between polypharmacy and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the older population. The key findings reveal a strong association between the use of many medications (polypharmacy) and the occurrence, advancement, and treatment of numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, osteoporosis, and mental health disorders. An important epidemiological consequence of polypharmacy in older adults is the heightened susceptibility to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interactions, and dosage mistakes. These consequences not only increase the rates of illness and death but also place a significant financial strain on healthcare systems. Moreover, the concurrent use of many medications, known as polypharmacy, has been linked to lower compliance with treatment and a decrease in the overall quality of life for older adults with non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the use of multiple medications (polypharmacy) might worsen the difficulty of managing diseases in older individuals, resulting in problems in treatment, less-than-ideal treatment results, and hospitalizations. The interaction between several drugs and other medical conditions adds complexity to clinical decision-making and raises the probability of incorrect prescribing practices. Although polypharmacy is frequently unavoidable when dealing with several chronic illnesses, it is crucial to prioritize optimizing prescribing methods and promoting medication safety. Various comprehensive strategies, such as medication reconciliation, deprescribing programs, pharmaceutical therapy management, and patient education, are crucial in reducing the harmful consequences of polypharmacy in older adults. Moreover, it is essential to include geriatric pharmacotherapy principles into clinical practice standards and healthcare policy to meet the distinct requirements and susceptibilities of older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is crucial to collaborate among healthcare professionals, chemists, carers, and policymakers to effectively implement evidence-based policies that will enhance drug use and ultimately improve health outcomes in this specific group of people. To summarise, the use of many medications in older individuals has important implications for public health, especially with the impact on non-communicable diseases. To tackle the difficulties related to polypharmacy, a thorough and interdisciplinary strategy is necessary, explicitly optimizing medicine, ensuring safety, and providing patient-centered care. By identifying and resolving the root causes of polypharmacy, healthcare systems can improve the quality of life and well-being of elderly adults with chronic diseases while also reducing the healthcare burden that comes with it.