Understanding how anticholinergic medications affect cognitive function in older adults with schizophrenia
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Anticholinergic Burden in Mid- to Late-Life Schizophrenia Spectrum Illness
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10976880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain medications used to treat schizophrenia might affect thinking and daily life for people in their middle to later years, and it hopes to find ways to improve their brain function and overall quality of life by possibly reducing these medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $775,706 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH135096-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are currently taking anticholinergic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or who are not on anticholinergic medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of anticholinergic medications on cognitive function and daily living in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly in mid- to late-life. It aims to explore the neural mechanisms behind cognitive impairments caused by these medications, which are often prescribed to manage symptoms. By examining brain activity and structure, the study seeks to identify how reducing these medications can improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life for patients. The research will involve monitoring patients' cognitive abilities and functional outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for older adults with schizophrenia by optimizing medication use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that reducing anticholinergic medications can lead to improvements in cognitive function in similar patient populations, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarpal, Deepak K — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sarpal, Deepak K
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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.