A Pathway to Healthier Aging or an Illusion? A Narrative Review on Deprescribing Protocols for the Elderly.

Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of many drugs increasingly prevalent in elderly populations worldwide, with over 50% of older adults taking more than five drugs. The rise in chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dementia largely drives this trend. However, polypharmacy poses significant risks, including adverse drug events, falls, cognitive decline, and hospitalizations, particularly due to age-related physiological changes that alter drug metabolism and clearance.