Improving access to depression treatment for caregivers of dementia patients
Official title: Improving screening and access to treatment for depression in care partners of people living with dementia
Funded at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · NIH-10976045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias to get help for their depression by improving an online platform that connects them with the right treatment options, especially in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,593 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG088962-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who may be experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the screening and treatment access for depression among care partners of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It addresses significant barriers such as low detection rates, limited mental health literacy, and accessibility issues, particularly in rural areas. The project will adapt an existing online platform, iPATH*D, to better connect caregivers who show signs of depression with appropriate treatment options, both online and in-person. The study will evaluate the acceptability and usability of this adapted platform to ensure it meets the unique needs of caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of caregivers by providing them with timely access to effective depression treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using online platforms to connect patients with mental health resources, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
Lebanon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mistler, Lisa a — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Mistler, Lisa a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Insomnia, Depression, and Sleep Medications in Mild Cognitive Impairment Leading to Dementia
This project looks at how sleep problems and depression, along with the medicines used to treat them, may affect the progression from mild cognitive issues to dementia in older adults.
-
Morning activation deficits and depression in dementia caregivers
Aims to understand why some older family caregivers of people with dementia feel depressed in the mornings and whether this can be changed.
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Circuit-based brain stimulation to help memory and mood in older adults with Alzheimer’s dementia
A new NIH project tests safe, multi-channel brain stimulation to improve memory and mood for older adults with mild Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
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Help for caregivers of people with dementia to find depression screening and treatment
This project adapts an online tool to help caregivers of people with dementia get screened for depression and connected to treatment options.
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Serotonin and cell energy in depression, diabetes, and Alzheimer's
Looks at whether fixing serotonin-linked cell energy problems can help people with depression, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
-
Understanding Morning Energy Levels and Depression in Dementia Caregivers
This project looks at how low morning energy might be connected to depression in older family members who care for someone with dementia.
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.