Deprescribing medications for dementia patients and their caregivers

Priorities Aligned Deprescribing for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregiver

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05970315

This study is testing whether a new approach to managing medications for dementia patients, which involves focusing on their priorities, is better than standard care in reducing treatment burdens and improving communication about medication changes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05970315 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare patient priorities care (PPC) with usual care (UC) for individuals living with dementia. It focuses on understanding how these approaches affect medication changes, treatment burden, and shared decision-making. The study will also explore the communication strategies used by PPC participants regarding deprescribing decisions based on their health priorities. Additionally, it will categorize any adverse drug withdrawal events that occur during the process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include dementia patients with a FAST score of 5 or lower, who are taking five or more medications and have at least two additional chronic conditions, along with a caregiver involved in their care.

Not a fit: Patients with a FAST score of 6 or higher or those with significant impairments that limit their ability to participate in decision-making may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective medication management for dementia patients, reducing treatment burden and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in similar approaches to deprescribing in dementia care, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Dementia listed as an active problem in the medical record, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's dementia, Lewy body disease.
* The functional assessment staging tool (FAST) score of 5 or lower (This will be established by the patient's clinician).
* 2 or more additional chronic conditions
* Takes 5 or more regular medications and
* A caregiver present during visits. Caregivers may include family members or unrelated caregivers and will be identified through chart review and confirmed by clinician, patient, and surrogate decision maker if necessary. Identified caregivers must be involved in decisions and care of People living with dementia (PLWD) and routinely attend clinic visits with patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* FAST score of 6 or more (This will be established by the patient's clinician).
* Significant hearing, vision, or advanced cognitive impairment that limits ability to participate in PPC encounters,
* Caregiver is unwilling or able to participate in visits, or
* Deemed ineligible by their Primary care physician (PCP)

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions 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.