Improving measures for people living with dementia

Holistic Evaluation to Advance Research in Dementia (HEARD): Phased Interdisciplinary Infrastructure Development and Pilot Studies

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11123412

This study is working on creating better ways to understand and support people with dementia and their families by focusing on what helps them live well, rather than just the challenges they face.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123412 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing better evaluation tools for individuals and families affected by dementia. It aims to create standardized measures that capture meaningful aspects of living well with dementia, rather than just negative behaviors or broad quality of life constructs. By engaging interdisciplinary researchers, the project seeks to implement person-centered interventions that reflect patient preferences and positive outcomes. The goal is to enhance the evaluation of psychosocial interventions over time, ensuring they are relevant and beneficial for those living with dementia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with dementia and their families who are seeking better support and interventions.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cognitive impairments or those not diagnosed with dementia may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more effective tools for assessing and improving the quality of life for patients living with dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in developing patient-centered measures for chronic conditions, indicating a promising approach for this novel initiative.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.