An online tool to help caregivers manage behavioral symptoms in dementia patients
Official title: Efficacy of the WeCareAdvisor: An Online Tool to Help Caregivers Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Persons with Dementia
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10665635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful online tool called WeCareAdvisor that supports family caregivers in handling challenging behaviors in loved ones with dementia, like aggression and agitation, by giving them useful tips and strategies to feel more confident and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $726,223 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG061116-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10665635 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 related dementias who experience behavioral and psychological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dementia or whose caregivers are not actively involved in their care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the WeCareAdvisor, a web-based platform designed to assist family caregivers in managing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, such as aggression and agitation. The tool provides caregivers with essential knowledge about dementia, daily tips, and a structured approach to identify and implement effective strategies for symptom management. By utilizing a systematic method called DICE, caregivers can tailor their approaches based on the specific symptoms presented by their loved ones. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this tool in improving caregiver confidence and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower caregivers with effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors in dementia patients, leading to improved quality of life for both patients and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with nonpharmacologic strategies for managing behavioral symptoms in dementia, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gitlin, Laura N. — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Gitlin, Laura N.
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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.