How caregiving for spouses with Alzheimer's affects cognitive health
Official title: Biopsychosocial influences on cognitive function in dementia spousal caregivers
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10999066 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taking care of a spouse with Alzheimer's or related conditions affects the health of the caregiver, especially how stress can speed up aging and lead to health problems, and it will explore ways to help caregivers manage their emotions to feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | September 8, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,328 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AG090098-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999066 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are spousal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who are not involved in the caregiving process for individuals with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of caregiving for spouses with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias on the cognitive and physical health of caregivers. It focuses on understanding how chronic stress from caregiving can lead to accelerated aging and increased risk of chronic diseases. The study will explore the role of emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, in influencing health outcomes among caregivers. By examining these factors, the research aims to identify ways to mitigate the negative effects of caregiving stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and support strategies for spousal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that emotion regulation strategies can significantly impact health outcomes in stressful caregiving situations, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brice, Kelly N — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Brice, Kelly N
Related research
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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.