Investigating the use of antiepileptic medications in nursing home patients with dementia
Official title: National study of antiepileptic use among patients with dementia in long-term care
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11050436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how often nursing homes give certain medications, like valproic acid and gabapentin, to residents with dementia, especially for issues like behavior and pain, to see if these drugs are safe and effective, and to help improve how medications are managed for people with dementia.
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 start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $679,475 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087073-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia who are currently prescribed antiepileptic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dementia or those not residing in nursing homes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the prescribing patterns of antiepileptic medications, such as valproic acid and gabapentin, among nursing home residents with dementia. It aims to understand the off-label use of these medications, which are often prescribed to manage behavioral disturbances and pain despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. The study will analyze the risks associated with these medications, including potential harms like falls and increased mortality, to improve medication safety for patients in long-term care. By examining the trends in prescribing and the reasons behind them, the research seeks to inform better practices in medication management for dementia patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer medication practices and improved health outcomes for nursing home residents with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted concerns regarding off-label medication use in elderly populations, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerlach, Lauren Beth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gerlach, Lauren Beth
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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.