Investigating medication use among people living with dementia
Prescribing without a guide: A national study of psychotropic and opioid polypharmacy among persons living with dementia
This study looks at how often people with dementia are given multiple medications, especially those for mental health and pain, to find safer ways to manage their treatment and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how medications, particularly psychotropic and opioid drugs, are prescribed to individuals living with dementia. It focuses on the prevalence of polypharmacy, which is the use of multiple medications that may pose risks to older adults. By analyzing prescription patterns and their effects on health outcomes, the study aims to identify safer medication practices for this vulnerable population. The research will involve data collection from various healthcare settings to understand the complexities of medication management in dementia care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are currently prescribed multiple medications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with dementia or those who are not on multiple psychotropic or opioid medications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved medication safety and better health outcomes for patients living with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted the risks associated with polypharmacy in older adults, indicating that this area of study is critical and has the potential for significant advancements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maust, Donovan T — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Maust, Donovan T
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 below.