Millions of older adults rely on multiple prescription drugs to manage chronic illnesses on a daily basis. While polypharmacy is often necessary, it has been associated with various negative health outcomes in older adults, including memory problems, increased risk of falls, and greater frailty. The most common prescription drugs involved in polypharmacy are those used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression – all of which are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Recent research in mice suggests that certain combinations of prescription drugs may have a positive impact on memory and signs of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the effects seem to vary based on the sex of the mice. To further explore the relationship between polypharmacy and Alzheimer’s disease, an experiment was conducted using mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer’s-like brain changes, including amyloid plaques – a key feature of the disease associated with memory loss.
Two different combinations of commonly prescribed drugs were tested on male and female mice. The results showed that polypharmacy had both positive and negative effects on Alzheimer’s disease progression, with outcomes differing based on the specific drug combinations used and the sex of the mice. For example, one drug combination had beneficial effects in male mice, while the same combination had little to no effect in females. Another combination showed different results, with benefits disappearing in males and memory worsening in females.
The study highlighted the complexity of polypharmacy’s effects on Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of considering sex differences in drug responses. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing personalized and effective treatments for the disease. The findings also emphasized the need for tailored prescribing approaches for older adults, especially considering that older women are more likely to be polypharmacy users.
As the global population ages, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise. It is essential to explore all potential causes of the disease and ways to prevent it. Future translational studies from mice to humans are warranted to improve healthcare for the aging population and reduce risks associated with polypharmacy.
This article was written by Silvia Maioli, Associate Professor and Principal Researcher in Neurobiology at Karolinska Institutet, and Francesca Eroli, PhD Researcher in Neurobiology at Karolinska Institutet. It was originally published on The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
