5 Treatments Older Adults May Not Need

By

By Anne-Marie Botek, Editor-in-Chief of AgingCare.com

Overtreatment is a persistent problem among the aging population. Research shows that the more doctors an individual has, the more likely a patient is  to be prescribed conflicting medications. Indeed doctors may over treat elderly patients unintentionally. 

In an effort to encourage honest, informed communication between doctors and their patients, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) created Choosing Wisely, a campaign that enables different medical societies to create lists of "Things Physicians and Patients Should Question." The initiative contains information from about 50 different organizations, including the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA).

Here, from the lists, are five typical treatments for aging adults that may not always be necessary:

Anti-psychotic medications:Both the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) advise that antipsychotic medications such as Seroquel, Risperidone, and Zyprexa  should not be given to people with dementia unless other methods of managing anxiety and outbursts including behavioral therapy have already been attempted. "Antipsychotic medicines are often prescribed, but they provide limited benefit and can cause serious harm," says the AGS in a statement. The effectiveness of these prescriptions vary depending on the individual and the type of dementia they have. The common caregiver refrain is, "Should someone with Alzheimer's be given antipsychotics?" Elder care experts have hotly debated this issue, trying to tease out the specific benefits of these medications for people with dementia and weigh them against the side effects, which can include confusion, incontinence, dizziness and even an increased risk of sudden death.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs:While undoubtedly beneficial for middle-aged individuals and those with certain heart conditions, cholesterol-lowering medications called statins may not help those in their 70s, 80s and 90s, according to the AMDA. As with all drugs, statins carry certain risks. These nclude muscle damage and weakness, increased risk of falling, and cognitive impairment. The likelihood that a person will experience these side effects tends to increase as they age. Research also indicates that low cholesterol may actually be a negative for some older adults. These are just a few of the things to consider when taking statins.

Colorectal cancer screenings:Regular colon cancer screening is recommended for most people age 50 and older. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a family history of colon cancer are urged to start testing sooner. However, experts are questioning the value of colon cancer exams for older adults, especially since the risk of complication from colonoscopies increases as an individual ages. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) suggests that each person's situation be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether a colonoscopy would be beneficial. For those with no family history of colon cancer and who have a life expectancy of less than a decade, the risks of colon cancer screenings may in fact outweigh the benefits.

Feeding tubes:For people with severe dementia who can no longer eat on their own, feeding tubes are sometimes recommended to ensure adequate nutrition and avoid aspiration. However, the AGS, the AMDA and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) all caution against the insertion of feeding tubes for those with dementia. Instead, they suggest oral assisted feedings as the preferable option. "Contrary to what many people think, tube feeding does not ensure the patient's comfort or reduce suffering; it may cause fluid overload, diarrhea, abdominal pain, local complications, less human interaction and may increase the risk of aspiration," according to the AMDA.

Benzodiazepines:Often prescribed as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia, benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, etc.) and other sedative-hypnotic medications can have a profoundly negative impact on an older individual's health and safety, cautions the AGS. The negative side effects of these drugs are enhanced in elders, putting them at greater risk for falling, being hospitalized, and getting into an automobile accident. The AGS suggests that other options for treating chronic sleeplessness and agitation should be exhausted before turning to these types of prescriptions for relief.

The best way to prevent a loved one (or yourself) from receiving unnecessary medical treatments is to have an honest dialogue with the doctor. 

Above all, don't be afraid to ask questions: What are the pros and cons of each treatment option? Are there any natural alternatives or lifestyle modifications that can be made in lieu of medication? What is the realistic outcome of a given course of treatment?

This article originally appeared on AgingCare.com.