(BrightFocus Foundation) Are you one of the millions of unpaid, informal,* caregivers looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s? If so, your participation in this study could help caregivers now and in the future.
BrightFocus Foundation, in partnership with Geoffrey Beene Foundation Alzheimer’s Initiative, is helping to support a unique study that measures the impact of caregiving on individuals’ cognitive and mental health. Researchers will track changes in brain health experienced by caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s.
The ultimate goal: to determine and improve the support and resources needed by caregivers and their families. Says BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller,
“The rigors of science can help us better understand and improve caregivers’ health.”
For more details on the study see the press announcement.
Want to Participate in the Study, or Spread the Word?
If you or someone you know is a caregiver and might be interested in joining the study, read on. You may be eligible to participate if you are between the ages of 45-65; you are an unpaid, informal caregiver of someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; you have been caregiving for at least a year; and you have access to the Internet through both a desktop computer and a smartphone.
Caregiving has been shown to have a negative effect on the mental and physical health of the caregiver.
AnthroTronix, in partnership with Mindoula, would like to gather information on caregivers’ mental and cognitive health in order to learn more about the caregiver experience and to better understand how to support caregivers.
How does it work?
It’s very easy to participate!
You will sign up to take a set of 3 surveys that should last no more than 30 minutes that you may take at your convenience.
Study enrollment will last a total of 12 weeks for eligible participants. After being enrolled, you will be invited to begin participation in one of the following:
Mindoula
Some participants will receive the Mindoula Android or iPhone application, a case management app that will:
- Connect you with a case manager who will provide virtual support and assistance
- Track how you are doing
- Provide you with resources to cope with the stressors of caregiving
In this version of the study, you will also take the DANA application, which involves a short test that will track your cognitive performance.
DANA Wellness
Participants who do not receive Mindoula will receive the DANA application with or without accompanying wellness snapshots.
These snapshots will track and report your:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Stress Levels
- Self-evaluation of Memory
Am I eligible to participate?
The study is open to informal* caregivers who provide care to someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Eligibility varies for each study section.
Overall Participants must be:
- Current Caregivers
- Between ages of 45-65
- Female or Male
- Own an Android Smart phone or iPhone
- Willing to complete digital surveys and be enrolled in study for 12 weeks
Additional criteria applies for each participation section for further information please review the FAQ section and/or contact the study coordinator. Additional details are provided in the consent form before enrolling in the study.
You cannot participate if you:
- Have a known cognitive diagnosis (e.g. dementia)
- Are color blind.
- Cannot score as severe on the behavioral assessment
(*An informal caregiver is defined as a person without formal training who provides care within or outside the home for an individual)
Join us and help researchers better understand the impact of caregiving! Please help us help caregivers by taking part in this study!
Click here for more information: health-eBrain Study
https://www.health-ebrainstudy.org/join-the-study/
BrightFocus is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States.
Copyright 2016 BrightFocus Foundation. All rights reserved.
