A storytelling program for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Official title: Caregiver Speaks: A Technologically Mediated Storytelling Intervention for Family Caregivers ofIndividuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10759413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special storytelling program called Caregiver Speaks, which helps family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias share their feelings and experiences through photos, with the goal of making them feel less anxious and depressed while providing support from others in a friendly online space like Facebook.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $732,899 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG059818-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10759413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in caregiving for individuals with dementia may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique storytelling intervention called Caregiver Speaks, designed specifically for family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The program utilizes photo elicitation techniques to help caregivers express their thoughts and feelings about their caregiving experiences, aiming to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Delivered through a familiar platform like Facebook, this intervention provides caregivers with social support and a means to process their experiences, even as they navigate the challenges of caregiving and bereavement. The study will follow participants over time to assess the long-term impact of the intervention on their mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and emotional well-being of family caregivers dealing with the stress of caring for loved ones with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has shown that similar storytelling interventions can be effective, indicating a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker Oliver, Debra — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Parker Oliver, Debra
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.