Using a mobile app to help caregivers of dementia patients manage stress
Using Mobile Technology to Reduce Stress in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia. A Scalable Solution to A Growing Problem
This study is looking at how a mobile app called Calm can help caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias feel less stressed and more at ease by encouraging them to practice mindfulness whenever it suits them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10677680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a mobile mindfulness application called Calm to help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias reduce their stress and emotional distress. The study will assess how well caregivers can engage with the app, which encourages daily mindfulness practices that can be done at their convenience. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either the Calm app or a podcast control for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at the beginning, after the program, and at a follow-up period. The goal is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach in supporting caregivers' mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are experiencing stress and emotional distress.
Not a fit: Patients who are not caregivers or those who do not have access to mobile technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide caregivers with effective tools to manage their stress and improve their overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mindfulness interventions can be effective in reducing stress among caregivers, suggesting that this approach may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vranceanu, Ana-Maria — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Vranceanu, Ana-Maria
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.