Understanding medication issues in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease

Prescribing Cascades among Nursing Home Residents with ADRD

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-10984679

This study is looking at how giving too many medications to nursing home residents with Alzheimer's and related conditions can sometimes cause more problems, and it aims to find better ways to manage their medications to keep them healthier and happier.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10984679 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the problem of polypharmacy, where nursing home residents with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are often prescribed multiple medications. It focuses on prescribing cascades, which occur when side effects from one medication are mistaken for new health issues, leading to unnecessary additional medications. The study aims to gather evidence on how these prescribing cascades affect health outcomes, such as hospitalizations and cognitive decline, in order to improve medication management for these vulnerable patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are currently taking multiple medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in nursing homes or do not have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better medication management practices that reduce harmful side effects and improve the overall health of nursing home residents with ADRD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing polypharmacy and prescribing cascades can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Providence, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease and related dementiaAlzheimer's disease and related disordersAlzheimer's disease or a related dementiaAlzheimer's disease or a related disorderAlzheimer's disease or related dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.