App-based support for managing Alzheimer's behaviors
I-CARE 2 RCT: Mobile Telehealth to Reduce Alzheimer's-related Symptoms for Caregivers and Patients
A mobile app to help caregivers manage Alzheimer-related behaviors and reduce stress for caregivers and patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This trial tests a smartphone telehealth app called Brain CareNotes that gives caregivers guidance and tools for handling behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia such as agitation, aggression, and mood changes. You and your caregiver would be randomly assigned to use the app or to usual care, and the study team will follow symptoms and caregiver burden over time. The team previously ran a small pilot that showed reduced caregiver stress and fewer behavioral problems at six months. This larger randomized trial aims to confirm those benefits in more people and settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer disease or related dementias who have an informal caregiver willing to use a smartphone app and who experience behavioral or psychological symptoms would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without an available informal caregiver, without reliable access to a smartphone or internet, or whose symptoms are primarily driven by acute medical issues may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could reduce upsetting behaviors in people with dementia and lower caregiver stress and burden.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot of Brain CareNotes showed reduced caregiver burden and behavioral symptoms at six months, but larger randomized trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holden, Richard J — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Holden, Richard J
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 below.