Factors Associated With Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home patients are particularly at risk for polypharmacy. We sought to review factors associated with polypharmacy, including demographic, functional status, and chronic disease factors, as well as systems of care and healthcare financing factors associated. Half the studies found younger age associated with polypharmacy; others found no association. Cognitive impairment or dementia was associated with fewer medications. Many advanced dementia patients were on inappropriate medications. The benefit of antipsychotic and antidementia drugs in advanced dementia was uncertain. Patients more likely to have polypharmacy had a higher number of comorbidities, higher number of prescribers, and resided in smaller nursing homes.