How swallowing problems affect caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: Influence of swallowing impairment on burden among caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10839836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how swallowing difficulties, called dysphagia, affect the stress and challenges faced by caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it aims to find ways to help both caregivers and those they care for feel better and have a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $175,268 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10839836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are experiencing swallowing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or who do not experience swallowing impairments, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of swallowing impairments, known as dysphagia, on the burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to understand how dysphagia contributes to the physical and emotional challenges faced by caregivers throughout different stages of the disease. By examining factors such as caregiver knowledge and support, the study seeks to identify effective interventions that can alleviate caregiver burden and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. The research will involve collecting data from caregivers to quantify the effects of dysphagia and develop strategies for better support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support systems for caregivers, enhancing their well-being and the quality of care they provide.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing dysphagia can significantly impact caregiver burden, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shune, Samantha Eve — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Shune, Samantha Eve
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Peer Caregiver Navigation for Alzheimer’s: Support by a paraprofessional peer coach
A caregiver-support program led by trained paraprofessionals helps family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease manage stress, learn coping skills, and access peer support.
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.