Research

Statistics on older adults and current clinical research studies

When we know more about the needs of older adults, we can better serve those in our community.

CICOA has participated in a number of national, state and local surveys designed to give statistically relevant information about the needs of older adults in our community. Data from these surveys is used in planning services for Central Indiana.

Research Study Opportunities

Interested in partnering with CICOA for a research study?

Contact the CICOA Research Institute

CareVirtue: Rural Dementia Caregivers

This study consists of a one-time interview about your experiences connecting with family caregiver resources.

CareVirtue: Rural Dementia Caregivers

CareVirtue: Family Caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Indiana University; National Institutes of Health

Researchers from Indiana University in collaboration with a small business, CareVirtue, recently received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to design the Family Connection, which will be an app for rural communities that provides personalized local resources and connections for family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Participants

  • Be a self-identified primary caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementia (previous caregivers are also eligible)
  • Live with or near the person living with Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementia
  • Live in a rural area
  • Be over the age of 18

Study Overview

  • Attend one 60-minute virtual interview
  • Compensation of $50 to participate

If you are interested in participating or to learn more, please contact Dr. Werner at 812-856-1705 or email at newerner@iu.edu. Your call will not obligate you to take part in the research study. Participation is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time.

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Beliefs About Aging

This study consists of a short survey to examine beliefs about aging and perceived control of health outcomes on coping behaviors as one ages.

Beliefs About Aging

Effect of Internalized Ageism and Health Locus of Control on Coping Styles in Older Adulthood

University of Indianapolis

We are examining beliefs about aging and perceived control of health outcomes on coping behaviors as one ages. This study aims to assess how one’s beliefs about one’s age and how much perceived control they feel like they have in their health outcomes impacts the kinds of coping mechanisms they utilize in response to late life stressors.

Participants

  • At least 65 years of age
  • Lives in the U.S.
  • English-speaking
  • Lives independently

Study Overview

  • One time survey – estimated to take 20-25 minutes
  • Phone or online survey

Take the Survey

For more information on this study, or to request a telephone based survey, please contact Laurie Chin at chinl@uindy.edu.

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Alzheimer's Partner/Spousal Caregiver

This study will explore how partner/spousal caregivers deal with the challenges of caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).

Alzheimer's Partner/Spousal Caregiver

Rush University College of Nursing

This study will explore how partner/spousal caregivers manage/deal with the challenges of caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Additionally, the study will explore the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting, interviewing, and consenting partner/spousal caregivers using technology.

Participants

  • At least 65 years old
  • Self-identify as a partner/spousal caregiver
  • Partner/spouse has been diagnosed with an ADRD by a healthcare professional
  • Partner/spouse is at least 65 years old
  • Partner/spouse resides in the same household

Study Overview

  • One 60 minute interview
  • Interview via Zoom
  • $25 Target gift card

If interested in participating, please contact Shandra Burton at Shandra_burton@rush.edu or (463) 701-1565.

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LEAF: Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers

This program for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's Disease is designed to increase levels of positive emotion and support ways of coping with stress.

LEAF: Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers

University of California, San Francisco and Northwestern University; National Institute on Aging

The purpose of this study is to test a program for adult family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's Disease. The program is designed to increase levels of positive emotion, which in turn can help lower stress and support ways of coping with the stresses of caregiving.

Participants

  • 18 or older
  • Identify as the primary caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Have consistent access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection for your weekly sessions
  • Speaks and reads English

Study Overview

  • (6) hour long positive emotion-based skill-building sessions, delivered over 6 weeks.
    • Participants will be assigned to access the 6 sessions via a self-guided platform online or via Zoom videoconferencing with one of the trained LEAF facilitators.
  • Nightly home practice and online emotion check-ins.
  • A tablet will be provided by the study.  Participants are invited to keep the tablet at the end of the study.

If you are interested in participating, fill out the pre-screen survey.

Study website: https://leafstudy.ucsf.edu/
Email LEAFstudy@northwestern.edu or call (312) 503-5247.

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PRIMA: Promoting Re-engagement in Meaningful Activity

This study provides a tool for adults with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers to find out the best way to help them to support each other to engage in meaningful activities

PRIMA: Promoting Re-engagement in Meaningful Activity

National Institute of Health (NIH); National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); Indiana University School of Nursing

In this study, we provide the Re-engagement in Daily Meaningful Activity Intervention for adults with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers to find out the best way to help them to support each other to engage in meaningful activities and to cope with memory problems and evaluate how well it works to increase their health benefits. 

Eligible Participants

  • 59 or older
  • Can read and speak English
  • Mild cognitive impairment: defined as impairment that is noticeable to family and friends but does not affect the individual's ability to carry out everyday activities

Study Overview

  • 3 months
  • 1 face-to-face session (or via phone or Zoom if preferred) and 7 telephone sessions, all of which will be arranged for your convenience. During the face-to-face sessions, you will meet with the research staff in a private location.
  • Taking part in a skill-building program can help participants learn about important things they can do to manage the symptoms of MCI and stay engaged in meaningful activity.

For more information or to volunteer to participate, contact:
Andrea Bamford, CRC, Project Manager, Indiana University School of Nursing
317-274-4330; email abamford@iu.edu

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Rural Dementia Caregiver Project

This study is an online, interactive, small-group self-management, social support, and skills-building workshop for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.

Rural Dementia Caregiver Project

University of California San Francisco; National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Building Better Caregivers is an online 6-week, interactive, small-group self-management, social support, and skills-building workshop developed for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Primary outcomes will be caregiver stress and depression symptoms. The investigators will also identify key strengths and weaknesses of workshop implementation.

Participants

  • 18 or older
  • Caring for a person with dementia
  • Able to read and write in English
  • Able to access the Internet
  • Providing care for ≥ 10 hours per week
  • Reporting a minimum stress level of 4 or more on a 10-point scale
  • Living in rural area of United States

Study Overview

  • Length of participation: 12 months
  • Participants will log on to a small group self-management workshop 2-3 times a week at any time (day or night).
  • Participants receive a handbook to keep.
  • Complete four surveys at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.
  • Participants are paid $20 cash for every survey they complete (up to $80 total).

Project website: caregiverproject.ucsf.edu

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Aging-in-Place

The purpose of this study is to understand how older adults maintain their health and well-being in their communities.

Aging-in-Place

Indiana University School of Liberal Arts/IUPUI Department of Sociology

The purpose of this study is to understand how older adults maintain their health and well-being in their communities.

Participants

  • 65 years or older
  • Living in Indiana
  • Living alone or with a spouse/partner, in the community

Study Overview

  • Approximately 60-90 minutes
  • Phone or virtual interview
  • $25 gift card (choice of Amazon, Kroger, Meijer or Walmart)

To learn more, contact Dr. Kenzie Mintus at agingind@iupui.edu or call 317-274-3943.

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CASOA Survey

To better understand the strengths and challenges of seniors aging in place, CICOA uses findings and statistics from the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA)™ to plan services for Central Indiana.

The CASOA survey is an opportunity for older adults to report on the strengths and needs of their community. The report summarizes how older residents view their community and its success in creating a thriving environment for older adults.

CASOA participants rate the overall quality of life in their community. They also evaluate their communities as livable communities for older adults within six domains:

  • Community Design
  • Employment and Finances
  • Equity and Inclusivity
  • Health and Wellness
  • Information and Assistance
  • Productive Activities.
CASOA Reports and Statistics