Understanding medication risks for older adults with dementia living alone
Medication risks and challenges among people with dementia who live alone
This study looks at how older adults with dementia who live alone manage their medications, especially those that can be risky, to understand the challenges they face and find ways to better support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10701791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by older adults with dementia who live alone, particularly regarding their use of high-risk medications. It aims to identify how cognitive impairment affects medication management and the associated risks of misuse. By analyzing data from a national cohort, the study will assess the prevalence of high-risk medication use and the factors contributing to medication-related issues in this vulnerable population. The findings could help inform better support systems for these individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with dementia who live independently without support from family or caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have dementia or those who live with family or caregivers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved medication management strategies that enhance the safety and health outcomes for older adults with dementia living alone.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted the risks of medication misuse among older adults, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Growdon, Matthew Evan — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Growdon, Matthew Evan
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.