153. The Dangers of Polypharmacy with Dr. Alethea Fleming

Taking multiple medications, called polypharmacy, is often a cause and contributor to health problems as we age. Seventy percent of people over 40 take at least one drug, twelve percent of people over 65 take ten or more prescription or nonprescription medications. And a whopping 95% of people older than 65 are taking a medication that increases their risk for falls. Dr. Fleming helps patients and providers understand what to watch for and provides simple tools for avoiding complications.   Key Takeaways To Tune In For: (01:08) - Understanding Polypharmacy (07:09) - The Risks of Blood Pressure Medications (11:11) - The Dangers of Drug Interactions (17:07) - Tips for Patients to Navigate Medication Reviews (21:14) - The Role of Advocates in Healthcare (25:05) - Recommended Resources for Healthy Aging     Resources talked about in this episode Guest website - Vital Aging Clinic