Improving support for family caregivers of dementia patients
Official title: Developing and Testing the Enhancing Active Caregiver Training (EnACT) Intervention for Dementia Family Caregivers
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11009536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training program called EnACT that helps family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias by using creative activities to improve their well-being and the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $132,570 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG065623-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in caregiving or do not have a family caregiver may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a training program called Enhancing Active Caregiver Training (EnACT) aimed at family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The program will utilize arts-based interventions to enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients. Through a structured approach, caregivers will receive training that addresses behavioral symptoms commonly associated with dementia, such as agitation and depression. The research will also involve mentorship and collaboration with experts in caregiver studies and arts-based interventions to ensure a comprehensive and effective training program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the well-being and coping strategies of family caregivers, leading to better care for individuals with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that arts-based interventions can be effective in enhancing caregiver support and reducing stress, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eaton, Jacqueline — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Eaton, Jacqueline
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Rural Dementia Caregivers: Building Knowledge and Skills for Caregivers in Rural Areas
A program to give rural families caring for someone with dementia the knowledge and skills they need, delivered online and aligned with Georgia’s dementia care system.
-
Tailored mobile app support for Hispanic caregivers of people with dementia
This project adapts a secure smartphone app with remote coaching to help Hispanic family caregivers manage dementia-related behaviors.
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Understanding how family caregivers help residents with advanced dementia in assisted living at the end of life
This study looks at how family and friends help take care of people with advanced dementia living in assisted living facilities, especially during their final days, and it aims to understand how this support affects both the caregivers and the residents.
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Adapting a mobile app to support Hispanic caregivers of dementia patients
This study is all about making a helpful mobile app for Hispanic caregivers who look after loved ones with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, so they can get the support they need in a way that fits their culture and challenges.
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Adaptation of PATH-Pain for Dementia Family Caregivers Living with Persistent Pain and Negative Emotions
Aimed at helping dementia family caregivers who live with ongoing pain and negative feelings by adapting a pain-management program to fit their caregiving needs.
-
Activities4Care: a digital assistive platform to boost well-being for people with dementia and their caregivers
A new digital platform will provide personalized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia to improve mood, behavior, and quality of life, with guidance for caregivers.
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.