UNC Geriatrics recognizes Joshua Niznik, PharmD, PhD (Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatrics) for his recent accomplishments.

Joshua Niznik, PharmD, PhD was recently accepted into the AGING Initiative MCCs Scholars Program. As one of twelve MCCs Scholars, Dr. Niznik will attend an in-person workshop in Washington D.C. this spring. In addition, he will attend 6 webinars during his scholarship year.

“More than half of older adults are exposed to polypharmacy and the unfortunate thing is that those people are more susceptible to the side effects and they’re more vulnerable to drug-drug interactions. It’s important for physicians, patients, and caregivers to realistically discuss the benefits a medication can and can’t provide, and to have a plan for de-escalating or stopping certain medications.”

A recent study from Assistant Professor Joshua Niznik, PhD, PharmD, Division of Geriatric Medicine, in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society suggests de-prescribing Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEls) as a reasonable approach to lowering polypharmacy and risk of serious falls or fractures without increasing risk for all-cause negative events in nursing home residents with severe dementia. Co-authors … Read more