An AI web app to support family caregivers of people with dementia
Official title: Adaptation and feasibility testing of an AI-enabled web app based on acceptance and commitment therapy for family caregivers of people with dementia
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10979573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new online app that uses helpful techniques to support family caregivers of people with dementia, making it easier for them to manage their feelings and cope with the challenges of caregiving.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $232,485 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085254-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of individuals living with dementia who are seeking mental health support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or those who do not have access to the internet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing an AI-enabled web application designed to provide mental health support for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. The app is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps caregivers manage their emotions and cope with the challenges of caregiving. The project will involve adapting the app through community collaboration and evaluating its feasibility and usability through a small-scale study. Caregivers will have the opportunity to access this support online, making it more convenient and cost-effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide family caregivers with effective tools to improve their mental health and coping strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that internet-delivered ACT programs can be effective, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Areum — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Han, Areum
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding and improving support for male dementia caregivers
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Automated system to help caregivers find items misplaced by people with dementia
A smart, automated UWB-based system helps caregivers in memory care and other facilities quickly locate items that people with dementia may misplace or hide.
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Supporting dementia caregivers with an evidence-based community program
A funded program helps caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related dementias, especially those with limited English, access an adapted, online psychoeducation program to feel supported and reduce distress.
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.