Examining how frailty affects fall risk in older adults using anticholinergic medications

Frailty Status and Increased Risk for Falls: The Role of Anticholinergic Burden

Observational Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT04233541

This study is looking at how frailty affects the risk of falling in older adults who are taking certain medications that can impact their thinking.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT04233541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between frailty status and the risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults who are prescribed anticholinergic medications. Participants are classified based on the Physical Frailty Phenotype, and their anticholinergic burden is assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale. The study aims to understand how frailty interacts with the use of these medications to influence fall risk, which is a significant concern for older populations. By identifying these associations, the research seeks to provide insights into safer medication practices for frail older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling older adults who are taking anticholinergic medications.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of dementia, current delirium, or those who are functionally dependent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved medication management and reduced fall risk in frail older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between anticholinergic medication use and increased fall risk, suggesting that this approach has been explored but may still yield novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Community-dwelling older adults

Exclusion Criteria:

* a history of dementia,
* current delirium or psychotic symptoms,
* taking antipsychotic medications,
* being functionally dependent to others,
* difficulty in communicating with the interviewer,
* terminal illness,
* being bedridden or wheelchair bound (≥2 weeks),
* difficulty in standing or walking,
* incomplete data

Where this trial is running

Ankara

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 FrailtyFallAnticholinergic Toxicity
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.