Question

is the geriatric population being prescribed too many medications

Answer 1

Simultaneous use of many medications happens in the elderly. It may be due to the presence of  multiple comorbidities in older age group . It is quite common of prescribing many medications together because of increased life expectancy in our society .

This poly prescribing has got justifications also.

Suppose one elderly patient........ male,78 years old having hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as he was a heavy smoker recently diagnosed with early dementia and benign enlargement of prostate. So the attending physician has to prescribe the Cholinesterase inhibitors and alpha blockers along with antihypertensives and regime of bronchodilators. If in between some infective conditions arise (bacterial pneumonia), he has to take antimicrobials too.Intermittent arthritis,common cold like viral infections if quite annoying may also need medications

Above statements are in real need for the patient. But sometimes due to presence of  anxiety or depression patients are prescribed multiple drugs.

So we are to judge each patient in their individual perspective