Deprescribing research network to improve medication safety for older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: The U.S. Deprescribing Research Network
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11359684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national program tests better ways to safely reduce or stop medications for older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, to prevent harmful side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $803,013 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AG086944-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, especially those with multimorbidity and ADRD, who are taking multiple medications.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without polypharmacy or ADRD may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a national network focused on deprescribing for older adults who have complex health needs and may have ADRD. It aims to develop practical methods, collaborations, and investigator training to safely stop unnecessary medicines. The project emphasizes translating findings into real-world care settings so clinicians and families can use them effectively. The work builds on past USDeN activities to expand impact and future research opportunities. It highlights partnerships across disciplines to improve medication safety for vulnerable patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to clearer guidelines and tools for safely reducing or stopping inappropriate medications in older adults with ADRD, improving safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous USDeN activities have catalyzed new research and collaboration, with growing pilot projects and scholarly work.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinman, Michael a. — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Steinman, Michael a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.