Date Written: December 27, 2025
As people age, it is common for health conditions to increase along with the number of
prescriptions they take. However, new research suggests that taking too many medications at once may quietly interfere with recovery and independence in older adults.
A study published in BMC Geriatrics examined how polypharmacy, defined as the regular use of six or more medications, affects seniors recovering from hospitalization. Researchers in Japan reviewed medical records from nearly 1,900 patients aged 65 and older who received care at a rehabilitation hospital between 2017 and 2024.
The patients were being treated for one of three main conditions. These included recovery after a stroke or other blood vessel related brain issues, disorders affecting movement and motor control, or physical weakness caused by prolonged inactivity. More than 60 percent of the patients were taking six or more medications when they were discharged, and most were over the age of 80.
When researchers measured how well patients regained the ability to manage everyday tasks such as dressing, moving independently, or handling basic self care, they found a clear pattern. Seniors taking multiple medications tended to show less improvement in functional independence, especially those recovering from strokes or general physical decline due to inactivity.
The most commonly prescribed drugs among patients with high medication use included medications for sleep and anxiety, laxatives, and drugs that affect mood, thinking, or alertness. While the study did not prove that these medications directly caused poorer recovery outcomes, it did reveal a strong connection between high medication use and reduced gains during rehabilitation.
Medical experts explain that as people age, the body processes medications more slowly and becomes more sensitive to side effects. Taking several medications at once increases the risk of dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and harmful drug interactions. These effects can interfere with balance, physical therapy participation, and daily functioning. Doctors stress the importance of regularly reviewing medication lists for older adults, particularly after a hospital stay. In some cases, reducing or simplifying prescriptions may help support better recovery, safety, and overall quality of life.
The researchers also noted several limitations. The study was conducted at a single hospital, relied on previously collected medical records, and did not track medication dosages or the intensity of rehabilitation therapy. Because of this, additional research is needed to determine which medications have the greatest impact and how medication management can best support recovery in older patients.
Overall, the findings serve as an important reminder that while medications play a critical role in managing health, careful oversight is essential, especially for seniors working to regain independence after illness or injury.
Original Source Credit:
This rewritten article is based on reporting by Melissa Rudy, Fox News Digital, originally published on December 26, 2025.
