Pharmacoepidemiology and disability in older adults: can medications slow the age-related decline in physical function?

Age-related disability and loss in physical function are growing public health priorities. Loss in physical function seriously threatens the independence and quality of life of older adults and has a significant social and economic impact on our society. Despite the fact that the negative impact of adverse drug reaction and inappropriate drug use on disability has been widely studied, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of pharmacological interventions to prevent decline in physical function among older populations. The effect of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and testosterone on physical performance in older adults are reviewed. In clinical studies these drugs have recently shown promising effects on the prevention of disability and decline in physical function in older adults. The findings of these studies are not definite and need to be confirmed in large clinical trials.