Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is often described as a journey of incredible love, but it also comes with undeniable emotional weight. If you find yourself navigating the highs and lows of this role, you know that how we process our emotions can make a world of difference in our daily stress levels.
The TSCAN Lab at Rice University is currently looking for participants for a national, fully remote research study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This study aims to understand how caregivers experience and process emotions, specifically looking at how different ways of thinking about emotional situations can help manage the unique stress of caregiving.
Why Participate?
By joining this study, you aren’t just helping researchers; you are contributing to a body of knowledge that could help future caregivers find better ways to cope and thrive.
- Fully Remote: You can participate from the comfort of your home.
- Meaningful Impact: Help science understand the emotional landscape of dementia care.
- Compensation: Participants can earn up to $120 via Amazon e-gift cards for their time (approximately 6 hours total over 3 months).
Who Can Join?
The TSCAN Lab is looking for individuals who:
- Are the primary caregiver for a loved one with a physician-based diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Own a smartphone.
What to Expect
The study is designed to fit into your life without requiring travel. Here is a quick look at the process:
Step | Activity | Duration |
1. Screening | A quick phone call to see if the study is a good fit. | 20 mins |
2. Zoom Sessions | An intro/consent session and a training session to learn the tools. | 1.5 hours total |
3. One-Week Trial | Brief surveys 5x daily and a heart rate monitor (chest band provided). | 1 week |
4. Follow-ups | Periodic questionnaires and heart rate check-ins at 1, 2, 4 weeks, and 3 months. | 40 mins each |
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in participating or have questions, you can reach out directly to the research team at Rice University. The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Bryan Denny in the TSCAN Lab at Rice University.
- Email: caregivers.tscan@gmail.com
- Phone: 713-348-3528
- Website: tscan.rice.edu
This study (IRB-FY2018-336) has been reviewed and approved by Rice University’s Institutional Review Board. . If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about the research project, you can contact an IRB Administrator at irb@rice.edu or 713-348-3586.
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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