Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisStopping psychotropic medications can reduce falls and improve cognition
van der Cammen TJ, Rajkumar C, Onder G, et al. Drug cessation in complex older adults: time for action. Age Ageing. 2014;43:20-5.
Review question
In older adults who have a history of falls, cognitive impairment or delirium, can stopping certain medications reduce these health problems?
Background
Many older people have more than one health problem, and they may take several different medications at the same time. Some medications, or interactions between different medications, can cause falls or confusion. People who are prone to falls or confusion are more likely to be affected by medicines that can cause falls or confusion. In some cases, it might be better for a person to stop taking a medication to stop these side effects.
How the review was done
The researchers did a systematic review, searching for studies up to May 2013. The key features of the studies were:
- people were 65 years of age or older and had experienced falls, cognitive impairment, or delirium; and
- the studies looked at the effect of stopping use of certain medications.
What the researchers found
Stopping psychotropic medications reduced the rate of falls.
Regular medication reviews by family doctors reduced the risk of falls.
Stopping psychotropic medications improved cognition.
No studies looked at the effect of stopping drugs on delirium.
Conclusion
In older people who have a history of falls or cognitive impairment, stopping psychotropic medications and regular medication reviews by family doctors reduce these health problems.
Stopping medications to reduce falls, cognitive impairment or delirium
| Outcomes | Effects of stopping medications |
| Falls | Stopping psychotropic medications reduced falls Regular medication review by family doctors reduced falls |
| Cognitive impairment | Stopping psychotropic medications improved cognition |
| Delirium | No studies were found. |
Glossary
Trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect everyday life.
Sudden and severe confusion that often is caused by physical or mental illness. It is usually temporary and reversible.
Medications that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. They include sleeping pills, medications for anxiety, antidepressants and antipsychotics.
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Tai Chi can improve cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment and healthy older adults
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2014) -
The evidence is unclear about whether it is better for older adults to receive long-term care through home and community-based services or in a nursing home
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2012) -
Computerised cognitive training for 12 or more weeks for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2020)
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterOur Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
