The Caregiver Research Program

The Caregiver Research Program is based at Rhode Island Hospital and is part of the Neuropsychology Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior in The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The burden of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease or related illness can be stressful and can take its toll on caregivers' physical and mental health. Our research has shown that caregiver burden is associated with family stress, increased risk for depression, and greater desire for institutionalization. We have a current project examining the impact of a telephone intervention on reducing the stress and burden associated with caring for a person with dementia. This study focuses on the caregiver and we will be enrolling 274 families through the summer of 201 1. For further information contact Kelley O'Connor, the research coordinator, at 401-444-4528.

Future/Planned Studies:

• Examine an intervention to ease the caregiver transition from home to a long-term care facility.
• Examine the effect of enhanced assisted living on residents and their family members.