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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Center for Applied Health Research on Aging

MedCare - Clinician

Title:

Clinician Perspectives on Medication Management of Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Their Caregivers

Dates:

September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2025

Funding Source:

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Grant Number:

K01AG070107

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are progressive diseases characterized by their debilitating impact on cognitive function. Adults ages 65 years and older represent the majority of cases, and are managing not only ADRD, but multiple chronic conditions (MCC) that are common with advancing age. Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is critical to optimize both cognitive and physical health but is especially difficult in the context of multidrug regimens. Little is known about how older adults with ADRD self-manage their medications, how these responsibilities transition to caregivers as the disease progresses, how capable caregivers are to fulfill these responsibilities, and how primary care practices support patients and caregivers to ensure safe medication use and adherence.

Abstract: 

We will conduct qualitative interviews with 25 primary care clinicians to explore strategies primary care clinicians use to facilitate medication management among older adults with dementia and their caregivers.  This research will also seek to characterize any challenges that primary care clinicians face when interacting with this patient population.  Findings from this study will be used to inform future interventions for primary care clinicians to continue to deliver high quality care and promote medication adherence among patients with complex medications.  

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:

n/a

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