Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Ankara Numune Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği-Ankara
Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı Ankara The aim of this study was to investigate drug consumption comprising particularly nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to assess the relationship between drug consumption and cognitive functions and disability in a group of elderly resided in a nursing home. 200 residents (108 women, 92 men) with a mean age of 77.2±8.7 years (60-98) were included to the study. Data were obtained about sociodemographic variables and drug consumption. Mini mental state examination (MMSE) and functional independence measure (FİM) were used to assess the cognitive and functional status. The mean scores of the FİM and MMSE were 106.7+21.7 and 20.4±7 respectively. 77.7% of the women and 47.8% of the men needed assistance. The scores of MMSE were lower than 18 in 49% of the women and 19% of the men elderly. There was a negative correlation between these scores and age of the elderly. The majority (94.4% of men and 80.4% of women) were prescribed at least one drug with a mean number of 3.59 prescriptions in women and 2.39 in men. The mean number of non-prescribed drugs used by the elderly was also higher and 14.4%of the consumpted drugs was non-prescribed. There was a significant positive correlation between nonprescribed drug use and the scores of FIM and MMSE (p<0.05). The most common nonprescribed drugs were NSAIDs with a rate of 72.5%. in conclusion this study has assumed the polypharmacy in the elderly residents of a nursing home. Educational efforts are needed for essential therapeutic approaches in older people to reduce polypharmacy, avoid adverse reactions and to improve patient's quality of life. Keywords : Elderly, Drug consumption, Polypharmacy, Functional assessment, Cognitive assessment