Development and Co-design of a Tailored Physical Activity Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Caregivers - Candidate: Andrew (Drew) C. Pickett, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design at Indiana University- Bloomington (IUB). This award will aid his transition toward becoming an independent investigator in aging health behavior, with particular attention to participatory approaches to intervention design. Dr. Pickett’s broad research goals seek to develop novel behavioral (e.g., physical activity) interventions to address health disparities among older adult and caregiving populations. The proposed training plan develops research-related competencies needed to become an independent aging investigator, including coursework, trainings, and mentorship related to: (1) aging health behavior, (2) AD/ADRD caregiving, (3) and intervention co-design methodologies. Mentors: Co-primary mentor Dr. Richard J. Holden (IUB) brings expertise and experience in human factors engineering for healthcare management, technology-based interventions, and AD/ADRD prevention in older adults. Co-primary mentor Dr. Nicole E. Werner (VUMC) is an established, NIA-funded, expert in AD/ADRD caregiving and participatory co-design of technology-based interventions. The mentorship team also includes four scholars with relevant expertise and extensive professional networks in areas related to the proposed research. Dr. Jason D. Flatt (UNLV) is an NIA-funded researcher focused on the understanding health disparities among AD/ADRD populations, with specific interest on improving health outcomes for specific populations. Dr. Brea L. Perry (IUB) is a health sociologist with extensive extramural funding history whose research explores the complex interrelationships between social networks, psychology, and other factors with health disparities. Dr. NiCole R. Keith (IUB) is an NIH-funded researcher who brings expertise in health disparities, physical activity, and aging. Dr. Matthew L. Smith (TAMU) is an established researcher in older adult health, caregiving, and program evaluation. Research: The proposed research follows the NIH Stage Model to first explore (Stage 0) the unique needs of AD/ADRD caregivers with respect to physical activity (Aim 1). We will then develop specific infrastructure to support co-design of interventions for AD/ADRD populations, housed in existing community-academic initiatives (Aim 2). Drawing on this work, the research then proposes to co-design (Stage Ia) a physical activity intervention to meet the unique physical activity needs of AD/ADRD caregivers (Aim 3a). Finally, we propose a feasibility test (Stage Ib) of the co-designed intervention to measure usability and acceptability across a four-week period (Aim 3b). Summary: The proposed research does foundational work to explore the unique physical activity needs of AD/ADRD caregivers, given the myriad intersecting challenges they face due to stigmatization and caregiver burden. This project further seeks to co-design and test a culturally relevant intervention to meet these unique needs. Drawing on strong mentor support, additional research training, and logistical assistance from professional organizations, the candidate will gain necessary capacity to ensure successful completion of aims.
