Understanding how caregiving for a spouse with Alzheimer's affects health and well-being
Official title: Individual differences in dementia spousal caregiver burden: A biobehavioral approach
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10617191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taking care of a spouse with Alzheimer's affects the health and emotions of the caregiver, focusing on how different personalities and relationships play a role, so we can find ways to better support those caregivers who might be struggling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $745,658 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG062690-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10617191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are spousal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who are not involved in a spousal relationship with someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of caregiving for a spouse with Alzheimer's Disease on the caregiver's health and emotional well-being. It focuses on how individual differences, such as personality traits and relationship dynamics, influence the caregiver's experience and biological health markers. By examining these factors, the study aims to identify which caregivers are at greater risk for health issues due to the stress of caregiving. The findings could lead to tailored interventions to support caregivers more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to improved support and interventions for spousal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on caregiver stress, this study's specific focus on individual differences and biological health markers in spousal caregivers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fagundes, Christopher Paul — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Fagundes, Christopher Paul
Related research
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This grant studies how state essential caregiver programs during 2020-2021 affected the care and outcomes of nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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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.