When is the time to stop Treatments

Many doctors are extremely aggressive in the use of medications and interventions, even in those who should not get treated. I already discussed the over use of osteoporosis medications.

In general, medications whose benefits do not exceed the person's predicted life span; or do not improve quality of life, are unnecessary and wasteful aside form possible side effects.

A good example are patients with advanced dementia or Alzheimer's. In a recent study, researchers found that among 5400 patients with severe dementia (mini-mental status result of 5) at average age 85, more than half of these patients were taking medications that were of questionable value. These included Alzheimer's drugs (which are not effective at all in severe cases), and cholesterol medications (whose benefit would be long after the patients would pass). About 1/3 of the medication cost was related to "questionable" drugs.

I always try to get my older patients off of medications, especially those of no benefit. Anyone who takes care of the elderly should pay close attention to the medications and their value.