Understanding drug use among older adults
Official title: Novel methods for estimating the prevalence of drug use among older adults
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10864137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how many older adults are using drugs, especially those that affect the mind, to better understand the risks involved and help improve support and care for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $480,348 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060362-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who may be using or at risk of using psychoactive drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not using any psychoactive drugs are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence of drug use among older adults, focusing on the increasing use of psychoactive drugs and the associated risks. By combining surveys with biological testing, the study aims to provide more accurate estimates of drug use in this population, addressing the issue of underreporting. The research will help identify the extent of drug use and its potential harms, ultimately guiding better screening and intervention strategies for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment for drug use among older adults, enhancing their overall health and safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that combining surveys with biological testing can effectively uncover underreported drug use in various populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palamar, Joseph J — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Palamar, Joseph J
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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.