For most of us, drugs are a fact of getting older: they relieve pain, regulate hormones and keep illnesses at bay. But for every upside, there is the inevitable downside. Whether over the counter or prescription, the risks can include serious impact on brain health and cognitive abilities. Aging affects how quickly meds are metabolized. Add a cocktail or two, or mix a couple of medications together, and things can get really risky. For a clear fact sheet on the effects of medication, and the right questions to ask your physician, pull out your co-pay and Read This.