THE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE DRUG USE ON BALANCE, FALL RISK, AND COGNITIVE STATUS

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE MEDICATION USE ON BALANCE, FALL RISK, AND COGNITIVE STATUS IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN NURSING HOMES

This study aims to evaluate the effects of polypharmacy on balance, fall risk, cognitive status, vestibular function, and hearing among individuals living in nursing homes. The study investigates the relationship between polypharmacy and balance, fall risk, cognitive, vestibular, and hearing-related outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the effects of polypharmacy on balance, fall risk, cognitive status, vestibular function, and hearing in individuals living in nursing homes. The study will evaluate the potential relationships between polypharmacy and cognitive status, balance performance, fall risk, vestibular functions, and hearing outcomes. Participants will undergo detailed assessments (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination, Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Cognitive Vestibular Function Scale, and pure tone audiometry); the findings will be compared with control group data and analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 60 years and older
• Individuals living in nursing homes in Samsun
• Individuals in the polypharmacy group using the defined number of medications and individuals in the control group using fewer or no medications
• Ability to walk independently without an assistive device
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Voluntary participation in the study
• No complaint or diagnosis of vestibular disorder
• Ability to read and write

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals younger than 60 years
• Severe dementia
• Use of an assistive walking device
• Central nervous system or visual pathologies that may affect balance
• Previous diagnosis of vestibular pathology
• History of severe neurological diseases such as stroke
• Inability to provide reliable responses to the assessments
• Inability to cooperate with the assessment procedures
• Inability to read and write