Exploring the health and social networks of family caregivers for Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Health, Wellbeing, and the Social Networks of Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10440323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how family members caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's can take care of their own health and happiness, and it explores how support from friends and family can make a difference in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG066194-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10440323 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, regardless of their age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer's disease may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease manage their health and wellbeing while providing care. It focuses on the importance of social networks and support systems that can help alleviate the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving. By collecting data from a diverse group of caregivers across the United States, the study aims to understand the dynamics of these support networks and their impact on caregiver health. The findings could lead to better resources and support for caregivers, enhancing their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights that lead to improved support systems for family caregivers, ultimately enhancing their health and wellbeing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that strong social networks are linked to better health outcomes, but this research aims to fill gaps by focusing specifically on U.S. family caregivers.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Esther M. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Esther M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Social media support for Alzheimer's caregivers powered by AI chat help
A caregiver-focused program for families of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias uses an AI-enhanced social media approach to provide daily supportive messages and online discussions.
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Token-Based Community Network to Support Family Caregivers of Adults with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
A new app-based program called Help-Full aims to help family and friend caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias feel more supported and connected while managing caregiving tasks.
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Smartphone-based emotional regulation for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease
A brief smartphone-based program helps unpaid family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias manage emotions and reduce stress.
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Supported decision making to boost wellbeing for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
This project looks at a way to help people with Alzheimer's and related dementias make better decisions with support from trusted others.
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Transitional Care for Alzheimer’s Patients in SNFs and their Caregivers
A program tested in skilled nursing facilities to help people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias transition home or to other care settings with less stress for caregivers.
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How past trauma and stress affect caregivers and people with dementia
This work looks at how past and ongoing traumatic experiences and stress affect the mental and physical well-being of family caregivers and the people they care for with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
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.