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Research Objectives
The main purpose of this study was to review the use of anticholinergic drug in older
adults and its potential barriers to rehabilitation.
Design
This review was conducted using the following databases: Taylor & Francis, Science
Direct, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Central. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed
articles published in English between the years 1999-2019. Keywords for the search
included Anticholinergic, polypharmacy, Anticholinergic burden, and older adults.
A total number of 29 articles were reviewed, and 5 articles were retained.
Setting
Literature review.
Participants
Literature review.
Interventions
Independent extraction by multiple observers.
Main Outcome Measures
N/A.
Results
Articles reviewed the implementation of anticholinergic use to treat several medical
conditions. Research highlights negative effects associated with increased anticholinergic
drug exposure leading to Anticholinergic burden (ACB). This may lead to impairment
in cognitive function, impaired physical abilities leading to falls, overall lower
levels of functional performance, and cardiovascular events. However, no significant
relationship was found when examining its effects on rehabilitation treatment outcomes.
Conclusions
Researchers have found that side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, confusion,
and increased heart rate are prevalent following use. Additionally, these types of
medications have the potential to induce impaired cognitive and physical performance.
Due to polypharmacy to aid in managing multiple morbidities, older adults are especially
at risk for ACB. This may present challenges for older adult patients in rehabilitation.
Further research should be conducted to evaluate interventions in clinical practice
to promote education and thorough medication review to reduce the effects of ACB while
maximizing rehabilitation outcomes for older adults.
Author(s) Disclosures
N/A.
Key Words
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
