NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Adaptation of PATH-Pain for Dementia Family Caregivers Living with Persistent Pain and Negative Emotions

Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11539267 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aimed at helping dementia family caregivers who live with ongoing pain and negative feelings by adapting a pain-management program to fit their caregiving needs.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number4R00AG086523-03
Project IDNIH-11539267 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Dementia family caregivers who experience persistent musculoskeletal pain and associated negative emotions or mood symptoms.

Less likely to help

Caregivers without persistent pain or depressive/negative-emotional symptoms may see limited direct benefit.

What this research studies

This grant focuses on adapting and translating a pain-management program so dementia caregivers who experience persistent pain and negative emotions can better manage their symptoms while caring for loved ones. The project emphasizes building capacity for the researcher to conduct translational work that develops, tests, and shares evidence-based behavioral interventions. The effort blends pain management with strategies for addressing negative emotions and depression in the caregiving context. Training components will advance knowledge in pain, dementia caregiving, and health behavior change, with plans to implement and disseminate effective interventions. The work is designed to culminate in an independent program for reducing caregiver pain and improving well-being.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers of people with dementia could have better pain control and improved emotional well-being, enabling safer, more sustainable care.

How similar studies have gone: Previous behavioral pain-management approaches have shown promise, and this work builds on that foundation with a caregiver-focused adaptation.

Where this research is happening

  • Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
    Blacksburg, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Turner, Shelbie G — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
  • Study coordinator: Turner, Shelbie G

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.