WECARE: A Personalized Digital Program to Support Dementia Caregivers
Official title: WECARE: A Personalized Digital Intervention for High-Demand Dementia Caregivers
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11413846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital program helps older family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias feel more capable and supported.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $629,003 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG090610-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65+ who are high-demand caregivers of someone with ADRD and who can use a smartphone or computer.
✕Less likely to help
Caregivers who do not engage with digital tools or whose caregiving circumstances are not high-demand may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a 7-week mobile app and companion website called WECARE, designed for high-demand caregivers over 65 who balance caregiving with other responsibilities. Participants will use multimedia lessons, interactive games, personalized feedback, local resource guidance, and peer support to improve caregiving skills and emotional wellbeing. The study will enroll 200 participants in a randomized trial with follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months to see if WECARE improves caregiver mastery and psychosocial health compared to usual resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, WECARE could provide scalable support to reduce stress and improve well-being for dementia caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital health interventions for caregivers show promise, but this study targets a high-demand subgroup with a theory-based, personalized approach.
Where this research is happening
-
George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Y. Alicia — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Hong, Y. Alicia
Related research
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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.