Effects of Polypharmacy on Balance and Coordination in Older Adults at the “Amawta Wasi Samay” Residential Gerontological Center of Guaranda City

Authors

  • Alex F. Lara-Alvarez Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Ecuador
  • Silvana X. López-Paredes Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Ecuador
  • Andrea E. Villarroel-Quispe Instituto Superior Tecnológico España

Keywords:

Polypharmacy, elderly, balance, coordinacion

Abstract

Introduction: The use of multiple medications, known as polypharmacy, has become a growing concern in the care of older adults, as certain types of medications increase the risk of their falling, such as antidepressants and diuretics because of their effect on cognition, mobility, balance, and gait.

Objective: Identify the possible risk of falls associated with polypharmacy in older adults at the “Amawta Wasi Samay” Residential Gerontological Center.

Methods: The study focused on a field investigation, descriptive, observational of a non-experimental cross-sectional cohort, the results were processed and tabulated in an Excel statistical database of the study group to evaluate the balance and coordination of gait and early determine the risk of falls in the elderly, the Tinetti scale was used.

Results: It was shown that polypharmacy in older adults harms balance and coordination of gait, with the daily intake of medications being 36.36% of 2-3 medications and 50% of 4-5 medications.

Conclusions: The research on the possible risk of falls due to polypharmacy in older adults at the "Amawta Wasi Samay" Gerontological Center shows risk factors such as age between 75-84 years and the administration of 4 to 5 medications with properties of central nervous system depressants.

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Published

2025-03-27

How to Cite

Lara-Alvarez, A. F. ., López-Paredes , S. X., & Villarroel-Quispe , A. E. (2025). Effects of Polypharmacy on Balance and Coordination in Older Adults at the “Amawta Wasi Samay” Residential Gerontological Center of Guaranda City. Revista Científica Hallazgos21, 10(1), 71–78. Retrieved from https://revistas.pucese.edu.ec/hallazgos21/article/view/689