Improving dementia care for patients and caregivers during COVID-19
Official title: The Care Ecosystem Response to COVID-19: Accelerating Research on Dementia Care that Meets the Needs of Caregivers and Persons with Dementia during COVID-19
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10852962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to support people with dementia and their caregivers by using a team of trained helpers who provide care and guidance over the phone and online, aiming to make life easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,758,134 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074710-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10852962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage dementia or those not requiring caregiver support may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing dementia care through a new model called the Care Ecosystem, which provides accessible, remote support for patients and their caregivers. The approach involves a team of trained Care Team Navigators who deliver care via phone and web, guided by protocols developed by dementia specialists. The goal is to improve patient outcomes, reduce emergency visits, and alleviate caregiver stress, particularly in the context of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will be conducted across six diverse health systems to ensure broad applicability and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of life for dementia patients and reduced burden on their caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar team-based care models can improve outcomes for dementia patients and their caregivers, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Possin, Katherine Laurel — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Possin, Katherine Laurel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Peer support program helping Black families caring for loved ones with dementia
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-
Understanding and improving support for male dementia caregivers
This project focuses on what helps or hinders men who care for people with dementia, with new ideas to reach and support them better.
-
Elder Mistreatment and Self-Neglect in people with dementia and their caregivers
This project looks at how elder mistreatment and self-neglect affect older adults with dementia and what helps or harms them.
-
Automated system to help caregivers find items misplaced by people with dementia
A smart, automated UWB-based system helps caregivers in memory care and other facilities quickly locate items that people with dementia may misplace or hide.
-
Supporting dementia caregivers with an evidence-based community program
A funded program helps caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related dementias, especially those with limited English, access an adapted, online psychoeducation program to feel supported and reduce distress.
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.