articleOlder adults who take five or more prescription medications face a significantly higher risk of death compared to those taking fewer drugs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The largest group consisted of older adults taking five or more prescription drugs (polypharmacy). Another group, 37.6% of those studied, used medications deemed risky for older individuals, such as drugs that can increase the risk of confusion or falls, the study revealed. After accounting for overall health and underlying conditions, taking five or more prescriptions was associated with a 38% increase in overall mortality risk . Each additional prescription medication added to a patient’s routine was linked to a 7% increase in death risk.