Investigating the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy for dementia patients in nursing homes
Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes of Electroconvulsive Therapy Use in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
This study is looking at how Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might help older adults with dementia in nursing homes who are feeling agitated or depressed, by checking Medicare data to see how well it works and what effects it has on their overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10850834 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation and depression in older adults with dementia living in nursing homes. It aims to analyze data from Medicare claims to understand the effectiveness of ECT in improving these symptoms and its impact on overall health outcomes. By examining a large cohort of patients, the study seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding the long-term benefits and risks associated with ECT in this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with dementia residing in nursing homes who exhibit severe agitation, aggression, or depression.
Not a fit: Patients with mild neuropsychiatric symptoms or those not residing in nursing homes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for managing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary evidence from case series suggests that ECT may be effective for treating severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia, but this research aims to provide more comprehensive data.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhee, Taeho Gregory — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Rhee, Taeho Gregory
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.