Multiple psychotropic and opioid medication use in people with dementia
Prescribing without a guide: A national study of psychotropic and opioid polypharmacy among persons living with dementia
This project looks at how often people with dementia are prescribed overlapping psychotropic and opioid medicines and what risks those combinations may pose.
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-11257363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has dementia, this project looks at patterns of taking multiple psychotropic and opioid medicines across the United States. The researchers use national healthcare and pharmacy records to identify when people are on overlapping central nervous system–active medications (three or more at the same time) and who is most likely to receive them. They will link those medication patterns to safety problems such as falls, worsening cognition, and respiratory issues. The findings aim to point to safer prescribing choices for people living with dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, especially those taking two or more psychotropic or opioid medications, are the main focus.
Not a fit: People without dementia or those who are not taking psychotropic or opioid drugs are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help reduce unsafe medication combinations and lower risks such as falls, worsening memory, and overdose for people with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have documented high psychotropic use in dementia and some interventions have modestly reduced inappropriate prescribing, but national analyses of combined psychotropic–opioid polypharmacy are limited.
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.