Understanding how loneliness affects caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: ADRD spousal caregivers, loneliness, & immune dysregulation: Real-Time, real-world intervention targets
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10651524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking care of a spouse with Alzheimer's or similar conditions affects caregivers' mental and physical health, especially focusing on feelings of loneliness and social isolation, using smartwatches to track their experiences and health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,383,487 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG075946-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10651524 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 or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or those caring for individuals without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental and physical health challenges faced by spousal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. It focuses on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on caregivers' well-being, utilizing real-time assessments through smartwatches to capture their experiences and physiological responses. By analyzing data from a diverse group of 300 caregivers, the study aims to uncover the dynamics of their emotional and social interactions and how these factors influence their health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve the mental and physical health of caregivers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social isolation and loneliness can significantly improve health outcomes for caregivers, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
ADRD spousal caregivers: real-time loneliness and immune links
A real-world study will follow 300 spouses caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias to understand how loneliness, social isolation, and daily stress relate to immune and cellular aging.
-
Social media support for Alzheimer's caregivers powered by AI chat help
A caregiver-focused program for families of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias uses an AI-enhanced social media approach to provide daily supportive messages and online discussions.
-
Personalized mental health toolkit for teachers and caregivers in Uganda
A new mobile app helps teachers and parents in Uganda manage stress and mental health more easily using personalized tips and local resources.
-
Mobile app to help family caregivers in Thailand manage distress
A mobile app called CAMMA would help family members caring for adults with chronic illnesses in Thailand feel less depressed and anxious through a culturally tailored mental health support program.
-
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.
-
Improving Child Neurodevelopment through Gut Health and Caregiver Support in Guatemala
A study in Guatemala tests a nutrition and caregiver-training approach to support development in young children who are at risk for malnutrition and poor neurodevelopment.
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.