Understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Mapping the Dynamics of Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10894029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking care of someone with Alzheimer's affects caregivers and what support they need, so we can find better ways to help them feel less overwhelmed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,423 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG059840-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing significant burden or stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or those who do not have a family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, focusing on their wellbeing and the social and environmental factors that contribute to their challenges. Led by Dr. Alissa Bernstein at the University of California, San Francisco, the project employs mixed methods to gather insights from caregivers and identify resources that can help alleviate their burden. The goal is to integrate these findings into clinical practice and policy to improve support for caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support systems and resources for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing caregiver burden can lead to significant improvements in both caregiver and patient outcomes, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sideman, Alissa Bernstein — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sideman, Alissa Bernstein
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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LifeBioTALK: tablet avatar conversations to engage people with Alzheimer's and ease caregiver stress
A tablet app uses a human-like avatar to speak, show videos, and interact with people living with Alzheimer's to reduce loneliness and make caregiving easier.
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Negotiation training to help Alzheimer’s caregivers communicate with care teams
A program called NegotiAge helps families caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease learn better negotiation skills to talk with doctors, insurers, and other caregivers.
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Understanding and supporting informal care partners of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A new project aims to create smarter, easier ways to measure and understand the experiences of people who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
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Caregiver networks around people with Alzheimer’s disease
A researcher at Northwestern University is testing a social-network method to map all the family and friend caregivers surrounding someone with Alzheimer’s to understand how relationships help or hinder care.
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Peer Caregiver Navigation for Alzheimer’s: Support by a paraprofessional peer coach
A caregiver-support program led by trained paraprofessionals helps family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease manage stress, learn coping skills, and access peer support.
-
Using a robot to help care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease
This study is looking at how a friendly robot can help people with Alzheimer’s by assisting them with everyday tasks and providing companionship, while also making life easier for their 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.