Dementia Care Initiative Lands $3.5M Grant
(Image courtesy of IUPUI)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe National Institute of Aging has awarded a $3.5 million grant to support an initiative focusing on dementia care. The effort, being conducted by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis and the Indiana University Center for Aging Research, aims to improve care for symptom management and other burdens of dementia, as well as empowering family caregivers.
The institute says the research involves integrating state-of-the-art dementia care with palliative care through a model known as IN-PEACE. The model is the first randomized controlled trial that simultaneously targets patient symptoms, caregiver mood and distress, as well as the reduction of potentially unnecessary treatments for dementia.
“We believe IN-PEACE will reshape how care is provided to people with dementia and their families, especially in the later stages of the illness," said Greg Sachs, who designed and leads IN-PEACE. "As we treat discomfort and other significant hardships in the individual with dementia, we are working with family caregivers to lower their stress and hopefully see less depression in these spouses, daughters, daughters-in-law and others who are bearing such a tremendous burden."
The institute says IN-PEACE, which stands for Indiana Palliative Excellence in Alzheimer’s Care Efforts, provides support by nurses and social workers for both decision-making and transitions in care. The initiative will enroll its first patients and caregivers in January.