ANTICHOLINERGIC BURDEN

Anticholinergic Burden in Elderly Patients

Anticholinergic Burden in Elderly Patients

Medical Issues in Elderly Patients

In this assignment, we would attempt to highlight the major health issues among elderly patients. The effects of Anticholinergic Burden in elderly patients would be highlighted. Relevant studies on the subject would be discussed to enhance our knowledge on Anticholinergic Burden and how elderly patients can be effectively treated. Elderly patients face a number of health issues due to aging, the health conditions often occur in comorbidity with other illnesses as well.

In contemporary medicine, dealing with Anticholinergic Burden has become a major issue for health practitioners across the world. The growing research in the field would certainly enhance the level of awareness on the issue. However, many studies would be discussed in the paper to get an overview of the issue and how it can be dealt with among elderly patients.

PolyPharmacy

If we study the fundamental properties of drugs, it can be ascertained that drugs have a major role in the prevention and treatment of disorders which frequently occur among senior citizens. However, an appropriate use of drugs is mandatory to witness positive changes. They could reduce morbidity or mortality among patients and may also improve the quality of life (Beers, Baran & Frenia, 2000, pp. 1313). Similarly, the elderly population is more likely to be prescribed with medications that impact the cholinergic nervous system. Their usage puts them at a high risk for the development of anticholinergic (ACh) burden. Ach is believed to have serious effects on overall functioning and health of a human being. According to VHQC (2009), it is believed that over fifty percent of community-dwelling older patients are on at least two or more anticholinergic medications at any given time.

The table above clearly identifies the mostly commonly used medicines with Anticolinergic Effects

Source: Tune, Carr & Hoag (1992). Am J Psychiatry.

Issues with Sedatives and Alcohol

Among the elderly population, issues related to alcohol and sedatives are quite common. The abrupt withdrawal of drugs such as benzodiazepines can trigger delirium; this situation is common among hospitalized patients. Chronic alcoholics may have delusions complicated, with presence of ataxia and ophthalmoplegia, condition known as Wernicke encephalopathy. Alcohol withdrawal may be accompanied by high anxiety, autonomic hyperactivity, seizures and delirium tremens. Drug intoxication may cause delirium, lithium, salicylates or anticholinergics may be the causative agents. Environmental exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, fungal toxins and organophosphate insecticides can also cause delirium. Among the changes are inherent to aging physiological changes, the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and the comorbidities, which may increase susceptibility respect to drug induced delirium. One of the basic principles for managing delirium drug dosing is individualized according to patient characteristics.

Start

It refers to a screening tool that helps in alerting doctors. It is devised from evidence-based prescribing indicators and arranged accordingly with the establishment and validity of the psychological systems in order to identify the prescribing omissions in elders.

Stopp

It refers to a new and innovative, systems-defined medicine review tool.

Anticholinergic Burden

Definition

Anticholinergics or antimuscarinics are mostly ...