Improving decision-making support for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias

Adapting supported decision making to promote wellbeing and improve health outcomes for persons living with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11105971

This work explores how a method called 'supported decision making' can help people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias make their own health choices and feel better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11105971 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

When someone has Alzheimer's or a related dementia, making decisions can become challenging, and often a care partner and clinician are involved. This project looks at 'supported decision making,' a structured way for you to work with a trusted person to make choices about your health. It involves creating an agreement that outlines the areas where you want help and the kind of support you prefer. This approach aims to help you maintain your independence and feel more in control of your life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of intervention would be adults living with Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's disease-related dementias who wish to maintain their involvement in personal decision-making.

Not a fit: Patients who are in very advanced stages of dementia and are unable to express their preferences or engage in structured agreements may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a valuable tool to help individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias participate more actively in their healthcare decisions, potentially improving their well-being and health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Supported decision making has shown promise in helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, suggesting its potential for adaptation to other populations.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.