Introduction:

Polypharmacy and cognitive decline are both common problems in the elderly.

Objective:

To determine the relationship between polypharmacy and cognitive status among elderly with cardiovascular disease. In this cohort study, 120 older people with polypharmacy and the same number non-polypharmacy were selected from Clinics in Sari Heart Center, Iran, according to inclusion criteria between October 2019 and January 2020.

Materials and method:

Data collection tools included Cognitive State Test (COST) and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical drug questionnaire, and a medical-demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test, independent t-test, logistic, and linear regression test.

Results:

Mean age of poly-pharmacy and non-poly pharmacy groups was 67.63 ± 6.67 and 66.09 ± 6.21 21 years, respectively (p = 0.065). Women ratio was significantly more among the poly-pharmacy group, compared to non-polypharmacy (p = 0.007). The odds ratio of cognitive decline increased by 3.17 times with poly-pharmacy (95% confeind intervel: 2.48-4.05). The most predictors of cognition were polypharmacy, income, hypertension, and gender, respectively. The predictive power of the model was 48.9%.

Conclusion:

Regarding the significant relationship between poly-pharmacy and cognitive status, it should be considered as one of the approaches to increase the cognitive status among older adults. Furthermore, it is necessary to emphasize on the factors affecting cognitive status among older people in programs, to improve the medical and health services for them.

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