Less medication and more non-pharmacological therapies in the residential sector – Health and Medicine

2024-03-31 11:03:13

Older people, more sensitive to the effects of certain drugs, have access to suitable therapeutic options.

According to data from the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 80 or over is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050. This represents a challenge for health and care systems, which must prepare to face demographic change. with the great objective of reaching old age in the best possible conditions.

David Curto, Medical Director, Innovation and Clinical Quality of Sanitas Mayores explains, “the first stages of the elderly are characterized by chronicity with the absence of serious pathologies or cognitive impairment, with low levels of dependency.” Although sometimes specific attention is necessary due to a temporary illness, an injury or a situation of mild dependency.

Obviously there is great variability in old age and, depending on the profile of the elderly and their age, comorbidity and frailty are associated phenomena, producing a greater demand for long-term care.

With increasing age, the number of prescribed medications also increases. Several studies on the health profile of people admitted to residential centers indicate that more than 90% have more than three active medications, and more than 60% need up to seven.

Therefore, on this last point, the residential model must increasingly adapt health care to the elderly. In the centers there are several protocols that ensure the rational and appropriate use of medications, improving their prescription and administration, avoiding polypharmacy, their chronification, and adapting the use of psychotropic drugs. In fact, a study carried out by Sanitas Mayores together with Dartmouth University showed that controlling the use of these drugs provides numerous benefits to residents by reducing aggressive behaviors and falls, and improving the emotional well-being of patients with dementia. In addition, the side effects associated with them, such as drowsiness or cardiovascular effects, are reduced, as are the possible harmful effects when combined with other medications, which can cause potentiation, cross-reactions or overmedication.

Therapies for healthy aging

In nature, with animals, with music, combining artistic activities. Non-pharmacological therapies are very varied activities that do not require chemical agents, but have demonstrated their effectiveness and scientific validity in improving the quality of life of older people, providing great physical, cognitive and emotional benefits. They are especially positive for neurodegenerative diseases and have been proven to improve autonomy in day-to-day routines and prevent social isolation.

Although medications are essential in the management of many of the pathologies typical of the different stages of old age, this type of complementary therapies are increasingly implemented in residential centers that promote active and healthy aging, allowing, in some cases, reduce the use of drugs. Different types of professionals are involved and are always taught in a personalized way. This is what happens in the Sanitas Mayores centers, where before carrying out any of them, an analysis and individualized monitoring of each resident is completed to evaluate the needs and health conditions. A specific and adapted plan of therapies and activities is designed to strengthen the physical and cognitive areas that need the most help. J.M.