The Alzheimer Society Research Portal connects researchers with Canadians looking to participate in research studies. On this website, find active studies that you can participate in to help advance research on dementia.
Dementia Friendly Communities is a community-based action research study that will engage directly with people with dementia who live independently. The goal of this study is to develop an in-depth understanding of the community-related needs of people with dementia who live independently, and to explain and demonstrate how communities can be dementia friendly, and support social inclusion and wellbeing.
You are eligible to participate if you:
- identify as someone living with dementia or memory impairment
- live independently in the community setting (ie: alone in your own home)
- can communicate in English
- are able and willing to participate as a member of the Action Group.
Informal caregivers provide much-needed support to friends, family and loved ones suffering from dementia and related conditions who continue to live at home. Smart home technologies allow providers and caregivers to monitor patients while simultaneously aiding with daily tasks such as remembering to take medications. Although smart home technology has become a common intervention with many benefits, there is very little evidence surrounding informal caregivers’ thoughts, perceptions and needs when patients are utilizing this intervention. There is a necessity to gather insights from this user group to increase uptake and proper use.
- Currently a non-medical caregiver of a dementia patient who is living at home
- Over the age of 19
- Able to read, write and speak English
Exclusion Criteria
- Caregiver of a patient who is institutionalized (e.g. living in care facility)
- Under age of 19
- Health Care Professionals (e.g. care aides, hired help)
This study is looking for caregivers to take part in a six-week creative movement group program, which aims to improve mental well-being and resilience.
You are eligible to participate if you: identify as a primary caregiver for a family member (e.g., parent) or partner/spouse living with dementia.
CAN-PROTECT is a Canada-wide online study recruiting participants and caregivers of persons with dementia to explore how lifestyle, background, and caretaking factors affect our health, quality of life, cognition, behaviour, and function as we age. CAN-PROTECT data will be analyzed and jointly published by the University of Calgary in partnership with the University of Exeter.
- Age 18 years or older
- Reside in Canada
- Have access to a computer/touchscreen device
- Can provide informed consent
- Do not have a diagnosis of dementia
- Additionally, we are enrolling participants who have previously or currently care for persons with dementia for caregiver-specific assessments
- Ability to speak English
This study aims to understand the needs and experiences of caregivers in managing medications for people living with dementia (PLWD) to enhance future resources. In stage one, caregivers of PLWD will be interviewed to gain insights into their needs and preferences for resources. In stage two, healthcare providers from various backgrounds and settings will be interviewed to understand how they support medication management for PLWD.
By understanding caregivers' experiences and needs in medication management, this study strives to contribute to the development of improved resources for caregivers. Ultimately, improving medication management practices has the potential to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for both PLWD and their caregivers. By empowering caregivers with effective tools and resources, we contribute not only to the well-being of individual caregivers and care recipients but also to the broader societal goal of fostering a supportive and sustainable healthcare system for those affected by dementia.
You are eligible to participate if you are:
- An caregiver who provides informal, unpaid care to a friend or family member diagnosed with any form of dementia
- English speaking
- Live in Ontario as their primary residence
- Support in medication management activities weekly for at least 2 months. Examples of medication management activities include but are not limited to obtaining medications from the pharmacy, preparing and administering medications, and monitoring for side effects
This study aims to explore how the website, the Driving and Dementia Roadmap (DDR), is experienced by and impacts how people with dementia and family/friend carers manage the driving cessation process. Participants will be asked to use the DDR for 2-6 weeks, record their thoughts in a diary and take part in an interview or focus group.
- Are a person living with dementia who is still driving or has stopped driving within the past 2 years
- Are family member or friend who is caring for or providing support to a person with dementia who is still driving or has stopped driving within the past two years
- Are a healthcare provider who cares for people living with dementia
- Ability to speak English
We are looking to create an online community of caregiving peers where the focus is on recording and sharing personal audio diaries and stories of caregiving. Caregivers and their partners will be asked to record regular audio diaries of their thoughts and experiences on dementia caregiving. Caregivers will then share some of these stories in facilitated small group discussions with a group of peers. Some of the themes and stories that emerge will be highlighted in a dementia caregiver podcast to share insights with the broader community.
Are a current unpaid caregiver to a family member/friend with physician-diagnosed dementia AND you are living with your respective care recipient
Are a person living with any type of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's, vascular, etc.) and with any stage of dementia (e.g., newly diagnosed, moderate, long-term advanced dementia)
Ability to speak English
Alert systems such as United States’ Silver Alert and Scotland’s Purple Alert support first responders in locating missing persons with dementia. In Canada, provinces are responsible for Silver Alerts. To date, Alberta and Manitoba amended Missing Persons Acts, but have no Silver Alerts. British Columbia has a citizen-led Silver Alert, yet no provincial legislation. This study examines how policies and programs for alert systems are developed and implemented in Canada, Scotland, and the United States. Findings will inform policies and implementation of alert systems to optimize the safety and well-being of people living with dementia at risk of going missing.
have experience or interest in using Silver Alert to locate missing persons with dementia and are a/an:
• Person living with dementia
• Care partner
• Alzheimer Society staff
• First responder
• Service provider
• Technology developer
• Policy maker
Caregivers of people living with dementia experience significant stress which can negatively affect their mental health. The overall aim of the current study is to evaluate a newly developed app that focuses on providing stress-management strategies for family caregivers of people living with dementia. Findings from the study of an app that aims to address the stressors associated with caregiving has the potential to improve the quality of life of caregivers of people living with dementia.
- Providing informal and unpaid care (e.g., spouses, children) for people living with dementia
- Providing primary care (i.e., most of the care or equally shares the care with another individual such as a mother or sibling) for the person living with dementia
- Own a smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Android)
- Not currently using a mobile app created for caregivers
- Ability to speak English
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