Majority of older Americans open to stopping prescription medications

A University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50 to 80 take one or more kinds of prescription medication, with 80% expressing willingness to stop one or more of these medications if advised by their health care provider. The study was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, and researchers emphasized the importance of personalized medication reviews and open communication between patients and health care providers.

The data, drawn from U-M’s National Poll on Healthy Aging and building on an April 2023 poll report, shows significant interest among older adults in deprescribing, particularly medications for asymptomatic conditions. About 30% of respondents taking medications for cardiovascular disease or diabetes indicated a desire to stop these medications. These drugs often address silent risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which, if unmanaged, could lead to severe health crises.

In contrast, medications for symptomatic conditions such as arthritis pain, mental health issues, and respiratory problems were less likely to be candidates for deprescribing. The study found that only 17% of those taking arthritis medications and 19% of those on mental health medications were open to stopping them.

Other key findings on preferences for deprescribing:

• Cardiovascular Conditions: 84% of those on prescription medication had some form of cardiovascular condition, with 35% open to stopping at least one medication.
• Diabetes: 29% reported taking medication for diabetes, with 30% considering stopping one of their diabetes medications.
• Arthritis: Nearly 50% had arthritis, but only 17% were open to stopping a medication.
• Mental Health: 22% had a brain-related condition affecting mental health or cognition, with 19% willing to stop a medication.
• Lung Diseases: 11% had a condition like asthma or COPD, with 11% open to stopping a medication.

Researchers said it is important for a continuous dialogue between patients and providers, especially with evolving guidelines for cardiovascular and diabetes medications. The report stressed the necessity for health care providers to be aware of all medications and supplements their patients are taking.