Training caregivers to improve empathy and reduce stress in dementia care
Official title: Effect of Cognitive Empathy Training on Dementia Caregivers
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10884682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether teaching caregivers of people with Alzheimer's how to better understand their loved ones' feelings can help improve the caregivers' mental health and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $748,386 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087216-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family members or friends who are primary caregivers for individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who do not have a family member with Alzheimer's dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cognitive empathy training can help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's dementia. The study aims to improve the mental health and immune function of caregivers by teaching them to better understand the feelings and perspectives of those they care for. Caregivers will participate in a training program and will be assessed for changes in stress levels, depression, and inflammation through questionnaires and blood samples. The goal is to determine if enhancing empathy can lead to better health outcomes for caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and reduced stress for caregivers of dementia patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that empathy training can positively impact mental health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rilling, James K — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Rilling, James K
Related research
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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.