Opioids and the aging brain: a new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06837857
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether taking prescription opioids for chronic pain changes the brain structure of adults aged 65 and older. Researchers will use MRI scans to measure brain changes over time. The goal is to understand the risks of long-term opioid use on brain health.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years of age or older * Pain for longer than 3 months (chronic) * Moderate to severe pain nearly every day (averaged PEG score \>5) * Persistent pain despite use of \>1 analgesic (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, lidocaine patch, etc) Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated severe/uncontrolled Mental health (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, history of suicidality, depression or anxiety, PTSD) * Severe liver (cirrhosis) or kidney disease (ESRD on dialysis or GFR\< 30) * Cognitive impairment (Kokmen Short Test of Mental Status score \< 29) * Life expectancy \< 12 months * Contraindications to MRI * Non-English speaking * Opioid use within the past 6 months * Contraindications or previous intolerance to prescription opioids * Substance use disorder or high-risk for opioid-related adverse effects (Opioid Risk Tool ≥ 8) * Residence outside of Minnesota or Wisconsin during opioid intervention period * Another pain generator that is greater than their knee or shoulder or low back pain * Anticipated surgery for joint replacement (Knee or shoulder) sooner than 3 months.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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