Neural Mechanisms of Anticholinergic Burden in Mid- to Late-Life Schizophrenia Spectrum

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether stopping unnecessary anticholinergic drugs, specifically benztropine or trihexyphenidyl, can improve quality of life, daily functioning, and brain function in people aged 40 to 70 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. These drugs are often prescribed but may not always be needed, so the study aims to see if reducing their use benefits patients. This is a Phase 4 randomized clinical trial including a healthy control group for comparison. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group will have their unnecessary anticholinergic drugs gradually stopped under routine clinical care, another group will continue their usual anticholinergic medication, and a third group of healthy individuals with minimal anticholinergic use will be observed. The study lasts for six months, during which participants receive evaluations and brain imaging to track changes. During the study, participants will have baseline assessments followed by regular evaluations of cognitive performance, quality of life, daily functioning, brain connectivity, brain activity in cognitive networks, and brain glutamate levels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to monitor brain changes. The research team will closely observe these measures over six months to understand the effects of reducing anticholinergic drug use.

Anticholinergic Deprescription in Schizophrenia