Seniors must beware use of these over-prescribed and often inappropriate drugs

It was one of the most heartwarming moments I’ve ever witnessed.

I was at the Baltimore/Washington airport one afternoon, waiting for my flight to board, when a group of elderly veterans arrived on an incoming flight. They were on their way to a function at the newly opened WW II memorial in Washington, D.C., so some were in uniform.

As the vets made their way into the terminal, the crowd of waiting passengers stood aside to make way for them and spontaneously began to applaud.

The vets were clearly moved. Some in wheelchairs, some with walkers, they waved to the crowd as they slowly made their way through the terminal.

It was an emotional moment for everyone there. And I can tell you that some tears were shed.

Since that afternoon, I’ve often thought of these Greatest Generation heroes and wondered how they’re doing.

They came to mind again today when I read a disturbing study that included nearly two million aging veterans.

Researchers found that about one in three vets were prescribed psychiatric drugs even though they were not diagnosed with mental health problems. These over-prescribed drugs included sedatives, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.

What’s worse, the study also showed that patients over the age of 65 were given these drugs much more often than patients in their 40s.

What’s driving these numbers is hard to say. Are doctors simply throwing drugs at any sign of dementia? Or do they just resort to sedation and antidepressants when they don’t know how to treat an older patient?

Either way, it’s a terrible trend. Seniors deserve better treatment and more careful prescribing than this. These powerful drug types increase dementia risk. They should be used LESS, not more, with older patients.

Sources:
“Many Vets Given Psychiatric Drugs Without Diagnosis: Yale Study” Thomson/Reuters, 10/31/13, newsmaxhealth.com