Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

This study will evaluate whether the HomeCare medication management system can improve medication adherence and related outcomes for adults age 65 and older living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias. HomeCare is an internet-connected medication management device that can automate medication dispensing, monitor medication use, and provide alerts to caregivers. The system is integrated with a Pharmacy Distribution System designed to track medications from pharmacy delivery through use in the home. A total of 120 participants with dementia will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will use the HomeCare system, while the other group will continue using standard medication management methods, such as pill bottles or blister packs. Participants will be followed for 12 months. The main outcome is medication adherence. The study will also examine hospitalizations and emergency room visits, cognitive function, caregiver burden, quality of life, satisfaction, and changes in medication-management behavior. Caregivers will also participate in surveys and study assessments. The study is intended to determine whether HomeCare can improve medication management and support both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of community-based early detection and targeted interventions, including stem cell therapy and wearable non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) devices, for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in adults aged 55 years and older residing in U.S. urban and suburban communities. Primary objectives include assessing improvements in MCI detection rates, cognitive outcomes, and progression delay compared to standard care.

Older sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients are at risk for receiving inequitable end-of-life care; those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are at particularly high risk. Failure to collect and integrate sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data to identify patients' informal support systems may have adverse health consequences for SGM older adults, particularly for those dependent on informal caregivers to provide in-home support and assist with activities of daily living. The goal of this K01 is develop a novel training for hospice staff in person-centered communication that includes SOGI data collection to promote authentic end-of-life care for SGM patients and their caregivers.