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Helping Caregivers Learn About Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Dr. Robert Ariel and student research team seek volunteers for paid study
University News | December 3, 2025
Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Ariel is leading an important new research initiative in his lab at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉútv. Ariel recently received a competitive ARDRAF (Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund) grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to support an applied research project focused on improving education for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia.
“We are conducting a paid study aimed at identifying the most effective methods to help caregivers learn about Alzheimer's Disease, related dementias, and effective care strategies,” Ariel explained. “Participants receive $150 for completing the study, which includes educational sessions on managing dementia symptoms and caregiver stress.”
To carry out the project, Ariel is working closely with a team of undergraduate student researchers: Haley Davis, David Feliciano, James Cromwell Young, and Tudor Vlad. Together, they are actively recruiting local caregivers from the community to participate.
“This project exemplifies VWU's commitment to community engagement,” Ariel said. “Our undergraduate research team has been deeply involved in regional dementia awareness efforts, including attending the Coastal Virginia Walk to End Alzheimer's. We’re also partnering with local organizations to recruit caregivers and provide meaningful support to families navigating the challenges of dementia care.”
Participants in the study are asked to complete surveys and brief assessments before taking part in two structured learning sessions focused on managing dementia symptoms and caregiver stress. Follow-up will include a series of short surveys over a two-month period to help researchers track progress and understand participant needs. To be eligible, volunteers must: provide unpaid care for a family member or friend living with dementia; be able to read and speak English; participate either online or in person at VWU.
For junior psychology major Haley Davis ’27, the experience has been both eye-opening and professionally meaningful.
“I applied for the student researcher position last spring and was thrilled to gain hands-on experience in the field of psychology,” said Davis. “Before this, I had no direct research experience, and this project has allowed me to interact with participants and learn the logistical side of research beyond the classroom.”
Davis shared that connecting with caregivers has been particularly impactful. “On a personal level, I’ve grown to understand how much patients and their caregivers go through—something I think many young people don’t fully realize,” she reflected. “This work has helped me gain research experience and build valuable connections in the psychology field.”
Looking ahead, Ariel hopes the study will create lasting benefits for caregivers and the broader dementia-care community.
“Our goal is to test whether structured retrieval practice can help informal caregivers better learn, remember, and apply effective caregiving strategies,” he said. “We hope to improve dementia education programs, enhance caregiver well-being, and inform future grant proposals, including a larger federal submission. We also plan to share results with community partners across Virginia—including the Alzheimer’s Association, local support groups, and other ADRD-focused nonprofits—and disseminate findings through academic conferences and publications.”
Contact the Confident Care Research Team at to learn more.