Understanding how loneliness affects caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's disease
ADRD spousal caregivers, loneliness, & immune dysregulation: Real-Time, real-world intervention targets
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 ID | NIH-10651524 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are spousal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not caregivers or those caring for individuals without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fagundes, Christopher Paul — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Fagundes, Christopher Paul
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 below.