Older people generally take many pills, both prescription drugs and over-the-counter products, including vitamin supplements
and herbal medicines. Less than 15 percent of older people take no medications at all.^ It is estimated that at least 25 percent of older Americans take three prescription drugs daily, but that they are not always taking the right dose or the right medication.^ Following a physician’s directions regarding taking medications requires a good memory. Even if someone with Alzheimers Disease is accustomed to taking medications at the same time every day, there is no guarantee that the routine will continue without a hitch. They may take too little or too much simply because of their inability to remember when they took the last dose. Failure to follow the correct regimen can have serious consequences, such as overdose, drug poisoning, even death. Tens of thousands of people are hospitalized every year due to complications from mix-ups with medications. People with Alzheimers Disease who live alone are at the greatest risk for these kinds of problems.
Comments