How do cognitive and functional impairment relate to the use of anticholinergic medications in hospitalised patients aged 65 years and over?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anticholinergic medications are commonly prescribed to older adults despite their unfavourable pharmacological profile. There are no specific systems in place to alert prescribers about the wide range of medications with anticholinergic properties and their cumulative potential. AIMS: To examine associations between medications with anticholinergic properties and cognitive and functional impairment in hospitalised patients aged 65 years and older. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 94 patients admitted to a rehabilitation ward and a geriatric evaluation and management unit. Anticholinergic burden was calculated using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale. The Adde..