Led by: Allison Lindauer, PhD, NP

The STELLA (Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias) pilot study uses a telehealth program to provide guidance and support to family caregivers. Trained research staff use videoconferencing technology to teach caregivers different strategies for dealing with the behavioral and emotional challenges caused by dementia. STELLA also uses in-home sensors - from the ORCATECH technology platform - to collect data about daily activities; using that data as an objective measure allows researchers to observe if the telehealth program makes a difference in the lives of caregivers, namely in reducing stress, burden and depression.

Learn more about the STELLA study

Led by: Lyndsey Miller, PhD, RN
Co Principal Investigator: Joel Steele, PhD at Portland State University 

Formerly known as the SHARE-Sense study,  this pilot study uses counseling-based techniques and technology to help families identify and anticipate care-planning needs. The pilot study uses in-home sensors to assess evolving care needs, helping families inform their care-planning program for early-stage dementia. 

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Led by: Dr. Chao-Yi Wu

The PROACTS pilot study assesses the AARP's Staying Sharp program, an online brain health program.  Researchers want to find out how the program impacts the health and well-being of its users, namely non-professional and home-based caregivers who care for people with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. 

This study has two parts: 

1. The first uses a one-time survey to characterize caregivers and understand their experiences with the Staying Sharp program. 
2. The second uses a group intervention, in which participants follow the Staying Sharp program and researchers analyze if the program improves or maintains their health and well-being. In order to assess their health and well-being, researchers install the ORCATECH technology platform in participants' homes. 

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Led by: Dr. Sarah Stahl 

The iCARE pilot study monitors the biological clock of older caregivers who care for family members with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Using digital technology, the study monitors sleep, exercise and social activities. Researchers also provide motivational health coaching for six weeks.

Caregivers experience high rates of stress and are less likely to sleep, exercise or be socially active on a regular schedule. By measuring the stability of those behaviors, the study aims to improve the stability of the body’s biological clock, and thereby improve caregivers’ health and well-being.