The University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health has established a new research center dedicated to studying and enhancing the treatment of dementia. Named EMBRACE (Establishing Mechanisms of Benefit to Reinforce the Alzheimer’s Care Experience), the center will conduct six research trials focusing on various aspects related to dementia care over the next one to two years. Collaboration for this initiative involves SPH, the University of Wisconsin, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Researchers at the center will investigate specific actions, benefits, and behavioral changes that could play a crucial role in improving dementia treatment. One upcoming trial will concentrate on family caregivers within the African immigrant community. The goal is to develop interventions that can be implemented effectively to benefit individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Joseph Gaugler, a professor at SPH and co-lead of the EMBRACE Center, emphasized the importance of designing interventions with implementation in mind. The center will serve as a platform for promoting innovative solutions in dementia care, facilitating communication, and expediting the adoption of promising practices.
In addition to conducting research trials, the center will offer consultation, resources, and support to researchers to help them scale up their trials and conduct more rigorous testing. Workshops and additional resources will also be provided to enhance researchers’ understanding of dementia treatment in real-world settings.
Funded by a $5.8 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, the center aims to drive advancements in dementia care through collaborative research and evidence-based practices.
