Reducing certain medications to improve physical function in older adults

Impact in Older Adults of Reducing Anticholinergic and Sedative Medication Burden on Physical Function Measured by Clinical Digital Phenotyping in Lab and Real-life Environments

PHASE4 · Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke · NCT05735379

This study is testing if cutting back on certain medications can help older adults move better and feel healthier.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment182 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (other)
Locations1 site (Sherbrooke, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05735379 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on the impact of reducing anticholinergic and sedative medications in older adults to enhance their physical function. It utilizes the Drug Burden Index (DBI) to assess the cumulative effects of these medications and aims to implement a deprescribing plan for eligible participants. By measuring physical function through wearables, the study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how medication reduction can improve mobility and overall health in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older with a Drug Burden Index score of 1 or higher who agree to a deprescribing plan.

Not a fit: Patients with dementia, those requiring a walker for mobility, or individuals with unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved physical and cognitive function in older adults by minimizing the negative effects of certain medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications can lead to improved outcomes in older adults, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 65 years and older
* community-dwelling
* Drug Burden Index score of ≥ 1
* Agree with a deprescribing plan targeting a reduction in Drug Burden Index score of ≥ 0.5.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia
* Need of a walker as a mobility assistive device
* Unstable medical condition (≥ 1 unplanned hospitalization or ≥ 2 emergency department visits in the past month).

Where this trial is running

Sherbrooke, Quebec

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Deprescribing Anticholinergic and Sedative Medications, Physical Function

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.