Dementia-friendly pharmacies as a mental health resource for older adults
Demenz-freundliche Apotheken Als Ressource für Psychische Gesundheit im Alter
This project tests whether pharmacies with memory-test stations can find early cognitive problems in people 60 and older and connect them to follow-up care and support.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1020 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07504965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The DARE (Dementia‑Friendly Apothecaries as a Resource for Mental Health in the Elderly) project is a multicenter, prospective cohort that places digital memory-test stations in partner pharmacies and trains staff to guide participants. Adults aged 60+ with self-, relative-, or pharmacist-noted cognitive concerns complete tablet-based assessments covering cognition, mood, and cardiovascular risk, with results displayed via a color-coded traffic-light graphic. Participants with concerning results are referred to specialists or local support services, and an optional subproject validates screening outcomes using neurological evaluations. Demographic and behavioral data are collected to measure reach, feasibility across urban and rural sites, and subsequent healthcare-seeking behavior.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking adults aged 60 or older who or whose relatives notice early memory or cognitive concerns and who can give informed consent and complete tablet-based tests.
Not a fit: People with severe sensory impairments, a prior formal dementia diagnosis, or major physical or cognitive limitations that prevent meaningful participation in digital testing are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier detection of cognitive impairment and faster connections to care and support, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Pilot projects and small studies have shown pharmacy-based screening and digital cognitive tools are feasible and can identify at-risk individuals, but large-scale validation and evidence of long-term clinical benefit remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria 1. Age: Participants must be 60 years or older at the time of consent. 2. Language Proficiency: Sufficient knowledge of the German language to understand instructions and participate in the study. 3. Cognitive Status: Presence of self-reported, relative-reported, or pharmacist-identified cognitive impairments (e.g., memory problems or mild cognitive changes). 4. Consent: Ability to provide informed consent voluntarily. Exclusion Criteria 1. Severe Sensory Impairments: Participants unable to see or hear well enough to complete the digital assessments or questionnaires. 2. Previous Dementia Diagnosis: Individuals with a prior formal diagnosis of dementia, whether with or without underlying pathology. 3. Severe Cognitive or Physical Impairments: Any condition that would prevent meaningful participation in the digital tests or structured screening process. These criteria aim to ensure that the study includes participants at risk of early cognitive decline while excluding those for whom the interventions or assessments would not be feasible or relevant.
Where this trial is running
Munich, Bavaria
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU Hospital — Munich, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carolin I Kurz, M.D.
- Email: psy.alzheimerzentrum@med.uni-muenchen.de
- Phone: +498944005863
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.