Minnesota HealthSolutions Corporation — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: NIA

Description

Project Summary Abstract Minnesota HealthSolutions CorporationMHSproposes to collaborate with the Mayo ClinicMayoto develop a unique matching service for caregivers of persons living with dementiasuch as Alzheimer s diseaseLewy Body dementia and Frontotemporal degenerationCaregiving for persons with dementia is demanding and research has shown that it negatively effects the physical and mental health of caregiversThere are currently limited resources available for caregivers of persons with dementiamostly limited to online resources and group supportResearch from behavioral health has demonstrated that peer to peer support is effective and leads to improved quality of lifemore engagement with servicesimproved healthand reduced hospitalizationsMHS will collaborate with researchers from the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer s Disease Research Center to develop a unique program for matching caregivers of persons with dementia to provide support to each other Project Narrative The proposed project seeks to develop a program to support caregivers of persons with dementiaAn estimatedmillion Americans had Alzeheimer s diseaseADinAD is the most common form of dementia and accounts for abouttoof dementia casesDementia primarily affects older adults although an estimatedindividuals under the age ofhave younger onset ADThe amount of care that persons with dementia require is significantIt is estimated thatbillion hours of unpaid care to persons with dementia were provided inCaregiving is demanding and research has shown that it negatively affects the physical and mental health of caregiversProviding support to caregivers of persons with dementia may improve the quality of life and health of these highly significant caregivers