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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $161,689 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA258947-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
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Patient-Caregiver Dyadic Program to Reduce Distress for Older Adults with Cancer and Mild Cognitive Impairment
A five-year program to help older cancer patients with mild cognitive impairment and their family caregivers cope with distress and improve communication.
-
Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
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A clinical trial tests a six-week, hands-on music creativity program to help people 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment feel mentally sharper and happier.
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This grant studies how mild cognitive impairment in older adults affects pain after surgery and how opioids are used, with the goal of improving safer, better pain management.
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Molecular imaging of cholinergic signals and brain pathology in early Alzheimer’s
This project uses brain imaging to study how the cholinergic system and Alzheimer’s pathology unfold in people at risk for 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.