Examining care for people with dementia in different Medicare plans and its impact on families
Official title: Care for Persons with Dementia in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare: Family Spillovers and Disparities
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11169930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with Alzheimer's and related conditions get care through different Medicare plans, focusing on how well services work together, the costs for families, and any differences in care they might face, all to find ways to improve support for patients and their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,220 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089058-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, particularly those enrolled in either Medicare Advantage or Traditional Medicare.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in Medicare or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) receive care under both Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. It focuses on the coordination of healthcare services, the financial burden on patients and families, and the disparities that arise from different care management approaches. By analyzing the experiences of patients and their families, the study aims to identify gaps in care and the impact of these gaps on informal caregivers. The research will utilize data from various sources to understand how care decisions are made and their consequences for patients' health and well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved care coordination and reduced financial burdens for patients with dementia and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted disparities in care for dementia patients, suggesting that this study's focus on Medicare Advantage versus Traditional Medicare could yield valuable insights into improving care delivery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicholas, Lauren Hersch — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Nicholas, Lauren Hersch
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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.