Research Proposal

Crystal Parry
Independent Research GT
2016-2017
Title: Dementia Dilemma: The Effect of Anticholinergic Medications on the Aging Brain
Introduction: The purpose of this research is compare four different acetylcholine supplements
that have been shown to reduce or stop the effects of dementia in elderly adults caused by
anticholinergic medications. The best supplement appears to be phosphatidylserine in terms of
restoring the cognitive abilities of dementia patients based on background research. Once this has
been confirmed through data collection, it will be presented to caretakers of dementia patients.
Background and Rationale:
In todays society there has been a rise in dementia amongst elderly adults, especially in
this country. There also is not a definite cause of the start of dementia in the brain. As a result,
there is constant research being done to find the cause of dementia. Various studies that claim to
have found the cause of dementia arise everyday, so there is a vast amount of information on
this subject. Many scientists have conducted such studies, and recently there has been research
into the effects of anticholinergic medications of the cognitive abilities of elderly dementia
patients. Medical dictionaries define anticholinergics as a medication that blocks acetylcholine, a
neurotransmitter that delivers signals to control bodily functions (Cafasso, 2016). Researchers
believe that by blocking neurotransmitters, anticholinergics are actually reducing its effects
within the brain.
At the University of Indiana Medical School, dementia patients from the Alzheimers
Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Indiana Memory and Aging Study (IMAS).
Some of the participants took at least one medication with high anticholinergic effects, while
others did not. Then, the two groups had their brain matter tested for cognition,glucose
metabolism, and brain atrophy in order to determine the status of their Alzheimers. The subjects
repeated this process after periods of 3, 6, and 12 months. After conducting these tests,
researchers came to the conclusion that the usage of anticholinergic drugs resulted in an increase
in brain atrophy and cognitive decline, and that it should be encouraged to seek out different
treatments (Risacher, et al., 2016). Another study conducted at the University of California came
to the same conclusion (Frontotemporal dementia, 2016). Consequently, acetylcholine
supplements have been proposed as the solution to preventing or stopping the dementia that
acetylcholine medications may cause. In a research report written by Dr. James Meschino, the
clinical director at the RenaiSante Institute of Integrative Medicine, he describes four different
supplements that are known to reproduce acetylcholine that is necessary for boosting cognitive
abilities in those who have diseases related to dementia. These include include CDP-choline,
phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, and Huperzine A. Dr. Meschino says that ingesting a
[acetylcholine] supplement can help combat memory loss and other related problems(Meschino,
n.d.).
Dementia and other neurological diseases like Alzheimers are one of the leading causes
of death today. Since there is no cure for these diseases yet, any new research or information that
can lead to one would be very beneficial to dementia patients and those who may develop the
disease in the future. If anticholinergic medications are in fact a cause of dementia, such

information will help them, their families, and physicians make informed decisions about what
supplements they can take to reduce the potential of developing dementia while taking their
over-the-counter medications. Others who also know people dealing with dementia can share this
information with them as well. Many people who have loved ones who have been living with
dementia are eager to find ways to reduce or even stop its effects, and such information would be
very helpful to them.
Research Methodology:
Research Question:
Which acetylcholine supplement will reproduce neurons in the brain to curb the
development of dementia?
Hypothesis:
Phosphatidylserine will be the best acetylcholine supplement to reproduce neurons in the
brain because of its use of fatty acids, which is necessary in reproducing the acetylcholine
to recreate neurons.
To support the research hypothesis, the ideal qualities of phosphatidylserine as an
acetylcholine supplement and the use of studies done successfully with
phosphatidylserine on improving the cognitive abilities of dementia patients will be
discussed.
Research Design Model:
Quantitative research methods will be applied in other to collect data, specifically
evaluation. The independent variable is the use of the four acetylcholine supplements
being evaluated; CDP-choline, phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, and Huperzine A.
The dependent variable will be the resulting cognitive behaviors of dementia patients
after taking the supplements. Choosing this model is ideal for this research topic since
data will be necessary to understand which acetylcholine supplement made dementia
patients perform better and compare them to one another.
Data Collection:
Meta-analysis is the best way to collect data for this project, because it will be unlikely
that access to subjects to collect data on would be available. Therefore, looking at studies
published in academic journals is a probable way to collect the data needed. Synthesizing
the information found in these studies regarding the effectiveness of each supplement in
restoring the cognitive abilities of patients
Product Objectives:
The information discovered through research will likely be a video that can be presented
at a seminar. Showcasing the research this way is a method in which information can be
shared quickly and easily. Hopefully, it can be presented to directors of assisted livings or
nursing homes, where dementia patients are being cared for. This target audience would
need this information in order to select the best medications needed for their patients. The
presentation may last for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on what relevant information needs
to be shared.

Logistical Considerations:
Print sources from medical periodic journals will be needed to complete this research
project, and they may need to be paid for, if full access is not readily available only. To
share the final product with those who work in nursing homes or assisted livings,
directors of such places of business should be contacted beforehand.
Timeline
In the third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines the data collection,
product development and audience.
Approval:
__________________________
Student Signature

__________________________
G/T Resource Teacher Signature

References:
Cafasso, J. (2016, October 10). All about anticholinergics. In G. Krucik (Ed.), Heathline.
Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://www.heathline.com/health/anticholinergics
Risacher, S. L., McDonald, B. C., Tallman, E. F., West, J. D., Farlow, M. R., Unverzagt, F.
W., . . . Saykin, A. J. (2016). Association between anticholinergic medication use and
cognition, brain metabolism, and brain atrophy in cognitively normal older adults
[Abstract]. JAMA Neurology, 73(6). http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.0580
The Regents of the University of California. (n.d.). Anticholinergic medications: Frontotemporal
dementia. In Frontotemporal dementia. Retrieved October 5, 2016, from
http://memory.ucsf.edu/ftd/medical/treatment/avoid/multiple