Beers Criteria highlights a risk associated with using three or more CNS-active drugs in older adults. What is this risk?

• A. Increased risk of cognitive decline, delirium, and falls
• B. Decreased risk of delirium
• C. No impact on cognition
• D. Improved motor function and mood

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that using three or more CNS-active medications in older adults raises the risk of harm to brain function and safety. When multiple drugs that depress the central nervous system are used together, their effects add up, making delirium more likely, cognition more fragile, and balance or reaction time worse. Age-related changes in drug handling and brain sensitivity mean older adults are especially vulnerable to these additive effects. So the described risk is an increased risk of cognitive decline, delirium, and falls. The other options don’t fit because these combinations don’t reduce delirium, produce no cognitive impact, or improve motor function and mood.