Helping family caregivers of people with dementia manage pain better
Supporting Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
This study is looking to help family caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's and related dementias better understand and communicate their pain management needs, by providing them with extra support or a special program, so they can give better care and improve their loved ones' quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11000761 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the ability of family caregivers to identify and communicate the pain management needs of patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). It involves a randomized clinical trial where caregivers will receive either standard care with additional support or standard care with a specialized intervention called ENCODE. The goal is to address the challenges caregivers face in managing pain for their loved ones, which can be complicated by communication difficulties and the unique needs of patients with advanced dementia. By enhancing caregivers' skills and support, the research aims to improve the overall quality of care for patients with ADRD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better pain management for patients with dementia, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that caregiver support interventions can significantly improve the management of care for patients with dementia, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demiris, George — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Demiris, George
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.