NIH-funded research Career grant

Improving communication and reducing distress for older cancer patients with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers

Official title: A Patient-Caregiver Behavioral Intervention for Older Adults with Cancer and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Funded at Duke University · NIH-10898063 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a friendly program called COPE+ to help older adults with cancer and mild memory issues feel better emotionally and communicate more easily with their family caregivers, making life a little easier for everyone involved.

More Cognitive Impairment research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$161,689
NIH project number5K08CA258947-03
Project IDNIH-10898063 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are diagnosed with cancer and have mild cognitive impairment, along with their family caregivers.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have cancer or mild cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a behavioral intervention designed to help older adults with cancer and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) manage their emotional distress and improve communication with their family caregivers. The intervention, called COPE+, aims to address the unique challenges faced by this population, as both patients and caregivers often experience high levels of anxiety and depression. Through a structured program, the study will provide tools and strategies to enhance the quality of life for both the patients and their caregivers. Participants will engage in activities that foster better understanding and support, ultimately aiming to reduce distress and improve overall well-being.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the emotional well-being and communication skills of older adults with cancer and their caregivers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral interventions to support cancer patients and their caregivers, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ramos, Katherine — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Ramos, Katherine

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.