How stress and trauma affect caregivers and people with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The impact of stressful and traumatic experiences on the well-being of caregivers and persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11054046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taking care of someone with Alzheimer's affects the mental health of family caregivers, especially considering their past experiences and current stress, to find ways to better support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $774,120 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include unpaid family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those who have experienced traumatic events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychological well-being of unpaid family caregivers for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It explores how various factors, including past traumatic experiences and ongoing caregiving stress, impact both the caregivers and the individuals they care for. The study utilizes the Pearlin stress process model to identify risk and protective factors that influence caregiver burden and mental health outcomes. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to develop better support systems for caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support and resources for caregivers, enhancing their quality of life and the well-being of those they care for.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding caregiver stress and trauma can significantly improve support strategies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brenes, Gretchen a — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Brenes, Gretchen a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How past trauma and stress affect caregivers and people with dementia
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Smartphone-based emotional regulation for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease
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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.