Drug use patterns in a very elderly population - A seven-year review

Objective: To determine the extent and rate of drug use and to evaluate the patterns of drug use over time in a very elderly population, we analysed d rug use data from phases I (1987-1989) and IV (1994-1996) of the Kungsholme n project, an ongoing longitudinal study on aging in Stockholm, Sweden. Study Participants: Complete drug information was obtained from 1001 subjec ts in the 1987-1989 study period, and 681 subjects in 1994-1996. The partic ipants were predominantly women and the average age was 85.8 years in 1987- 1989 and 86.9 years in 1994-1996. Results: The proportion of users increased from 87.6 to 94.1% and the overa ll average number of drugs used per subject increased significantly (p < 0. 001) from 3.4 to 4.6. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in all age groups and in all types of housing. The frequency of use increased for all classes of drugs. The most frequently used in both study periods were d rugs for the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and alimentary tract an d metabolism. With regard to therapeutic categories of drugs, the use of vi tamins, antithrombotic agents, antianaemic preparations, ACE inhibitors, an tibacterials, analgesics, psychoanaleptics, and antiglaucoma preparations i ncreased significantly (p < 0.05). The increased use of these drugs indicat ed heightened awareness of the most common and preventable medical conditio ns affecting the elderly and the use of newer classes of drugs. This also s tudy confirmed a high prevalence of drug use and polypharmacy even in the v ery elderly, and the importance of evaluating the effects and appropriatene ss of drug use in this population.