Do four or more medications increase a patient's risk for falls?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death for older adults. Research consistently indicates that taking four or more medications—a condition known as polypharmacy—significantly increases a patient's risk for falls, particularly among older adults. The combination of multiple drugs can lead to adverse effects like dizziness, impaired balance, and cognitive issues, making fall prevention an essential aspect of medication management.