Care of nursing home residents with advanced dementia
Institution: Queen's University Belfast
Grant type: Project
Duration: 2 years
Amount: £67,545
Scientific Title: Care of nursing home residents with advanced dementia - feasibility study
What do we already know?
People with advanced dementia in care homes are often prescribed harmful drugs such as antipsychotics. These drugs are known to have harmful side effects and can even cause death. To date, no studies in the UK have fully evaluated exactly which drugs are given to care home residents, and whether these are appropriate.
What does this project involve?
Dr Carole Parsons will examine the feasibility of a larger study to collect information on medication use in care homes. This initial study aims to decide first what constitutes 'appropriate' prescription, and then test the ability of researchers to monitor care homes for a few example cases in Northern Ireland.
How will this benefit people with dementia?
If successful, Dr Parsons will use this feasibility study to plan a wider study across the UK. The results will be essential for evaluating new interventions, and supporting care home staff through new care recommendations.
This project is jointly funded by Alzheimer's Society and the Bupa foundation
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