Medication Use and Functional Decline among Community-Dwelling Older Women

Abstract

This prospective study evaluates the relationship between the number of prescription and over-the-counter medications used in community-dwelling aged women and changes in mental, physical, and instrumental functioning. Data are derived from two in-home interviews (one year apart) of 609 women 65 years or older identified through a random sample of households in a 20-contiguous census tract area of Baltimore, Maryland. After controlling for age, education, physical health, number of chronic conditions, and baseline functional status, prescription medication use is associated with declines in ability to perform PADL and IADL tasks and increases in symptoms of depression. No associations are observed between prescription drug use and changes in cognitive functioning over one year. The use of over-the-counter drugs is associated with declines in PADL tasks only. Several explanations for results are discussed. Suggestions for future study and prescribing to the significant minority of persons taking multiple medications are given.