The EM-AD, a Novel Measure of Elder Mistreatment Among Dementia Family Caregivers

Project Summary/Abstract Over 1 in 10 older adults is the victim of elder mistreatment. Rates of mistreatment are even higher among older adults with dementia. Care of those with dementia often is the responsibility of unpaid family and friends, with over 11 million unpaid caregivers providing support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. While many caregivers report positive aspects of caring for their loved one, it is also associated with increased burden and distress. Little research has examined the phenomenon of elder mistreatment among individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The objectives of this K01 project propose to create and validate a new measure of elder mistreatment, adapted to the specific experiences of dementia caregivers and their care recipients. Such knowledge is necessary to inform intervention and policy to reduce mistreatment among those with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Hancock will complete 5 training goals to enable him to become a successful, independent researcher, capable of creating and validating new measures and designing and implementing interventions. First, he will increase his knowledge and expertise in the fields of elder mistreatment and dementia family caregiving. Second, he will develop the skills necessary to create a new measure, translating from related research and soliciting and analyzing qualitative data from key stakeholder interviews. Third, he will seek advanced quantitative training in the validation of newly created measures. Fourth, he will obtain skills and knowledge necessary to translate research into an intervention and the acquire the skills necessary to lead and run an NIH funded intervention project as PI. Fifth, he will develop skills in independent grant writing and academic leadership. The two proposed research aims are designed to complement the training goals. The first aim proposes to develop and refine a measure of elder mistreatment among dementia family caregivers. Aim 1a will develop items and establish content validity of a new measure of elder mistreatment, using feedback from key stakeholders including caregivers and geriatric professionals. Aim 1b will pilot test the items generated in Aim 1a to inform measure creation. Aim 2 proposes to validate the measure created in Aim 1. Aim 2a will seek to validate the psychometrics properties of the newly created measure. Aim 2b will seek to examine prevalence and incidence of elder mistreatment among dementia caregivers. Further, this sub-aim will seek to examine correlates and predictors of mistreatment, to identify potential intervention targets to reduce mistreatment. The proposed training plan and research proposal is well aligned with the NIA's initiative to develop and train research scientists in aging. Moreover, it aligns with NIA's interests in promoting well-being, through intervention, of dementia family caregivers. Finally, this proposal aligns with a recent funding announcement which focuses on measurement of elder mistreatment.