Examining how a new healthcare program affects patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: The Impact of the Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (ACO REACH) Program on Outcomes and Equity for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11162446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the ACO REACH program helps improve health and care for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, especially for those from different backgrounds, by comparing their experiences with those in other Medicare programs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,113 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089215-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, particularly those from minoritized racial and ethnic groups or those living in poverty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of the ACO REACH program on health outcomes and equity for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The program aims to improve care for older adults by moving them into accountable care organizations, where healthcare providers work together to enhance quality and manage costs. The study will compare the outcomes of patients enrolled in ACO REACH with those in the traditional Medicare Shared Savings program and those not in any ACO program. By focusing on health inequities, the research seeks to identify effective strategies that can improve care for diverse populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare outcomes and reduced disparities for patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that accountable care organizations can improve healthcare delivery, suggesting potential success for this novel approach focused on equity.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joynt Maddox, Karen Ellen — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Joynt Maddox, Karen Ellen
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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.