Helping older adults with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers engage in meaningful daily activities
Official title: Promoting Reengagement in Daily Meaningful Activity Intervention for Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Caregivers
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10589844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a program called 'Daily Engagement in Meaningful Activity' (DEMA) to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment and their family caregivers feel happier and less anxious by encouraging them to participate in activities they enjoy together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $493,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR018162-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10589844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, along with their family caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those who are unable to participate in daily activities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a tailored intervention called 'Daily Engagement in Meaningful Activity' (DEMA) aimed at older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their family caregivers. The intervention is delivered by nurses and is designed to enhance the participants' engagement in activities that they find meaningful, which can improve their life satisfaction and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. By addressing both the patients and their caregivers, the study aims to alleviate caregiver burden and improve communication and relationships within the dyad. The approach is based on the idea that engaging in meaningful activities can help maintain cognitive function and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults with MCI and their caregivers by promoting engagement in meaningful activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that interventions focusing on meaningful activities can improve life satisfaction and reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Yueh-Feng Yvonne — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Lu, Yueh-Feng Yvonne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.