Are You a Caregiver of a Family Member with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) research team studies stress management in current and bereaved family caregivers of people with dementia.

For over a decade, Dr. Jaclene Zauszniewski, an internationally recognized nurse-scientist and Distinguished Faculty Researcher Award recipient of Case Western Reserve University, and her research team, have learned from caregivers and for caregivers. Her research has one common goal: Helping family caregivers to better manage stress and stay healthy.

This current project, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is focused on adult family caregivers of persons experiencing a progressive memory problem or dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Given the lengthy downward progression of dementia, caregivers are faced with a long-term commitment to providing care during which they experience seeing a family member transition from independence and self-sufficiency to complete dependency on others in order to have their basic needs met,” Dr. Zauszniewski says. This study views the act of caring for one with dementia as a career for which the caregiver has not been prepared.

Currently, the study is enrolling those who have moved their family member into a care facility within the past year as well as bereaved caregivers whose family member died within the past year.

Study participants will learn a stress management method that may help to minimize stress and promote health. Participants will also complete 3 data collection sessions over one year. They will be compensated for their time. Most study activities can be completed remotely. For in-person study activities, research assistants will meet participants at a location convenient to them. Participants do not have to travel to campus at any time.

To learn more, please visit our website at https://case.edu/nursing/dementia-caregiver-research, Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/caregiverstudyCWRU/, or contact us at caregiver@case.edu or 216-368-8848.