# The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer's Disease Screening (COADS) Trial

> **NIH NIH R01** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2020 · $605,520

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
More than 2 million adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the United States never receive a
formal diagnosis. For those who do, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease often occurs late; 2-5 years after
symptoms are first exhibited. With more than 70% of people with Alzheimer’s disease living in the community
and receiving care and support from their family, there is a tremendous psychological, physical, and financial
burden of the syndrome borne by family caregivers. This burden may be exacerbated by a delayed diagnosis
of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, family members of older adults may attribute the cognitive,
functional and psychological symptoms of the syndrome to “normal” aging. Also, family members may not
notice their changing role as they take on more and more caregiving responsibilities, leaving them vulnerable
or unprepared for the upcoming caregiver role. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through screening may
enhance the family member’s transition to a family caregiver and reduce caregiver burden by providing an
opportunity for the family member to learn about the syndrome, receive interventions, and to prepare for their
new caregiving role. Alternatively, early detection by screening might trigger a process of role transition for the
family member to a caregiver that evokes emotional and social costs that are too high given the lack of a cure.
The risks and benefits of Alzheimer’s disease screening on older adults family members are unknown.
We are proposing the Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) trial, as the first study
to examine the impact of Alzheimer’s disease screening on family members. We will also test the congruence
of patient and family member (dyad) outcomes as a result of screening, and the impact of post-screening
strategies on family member outcomes. This large randomized controlled trial will measure the risks
(depression and anxiety) and the benefits (quality of life, caregiver preparedness and caregiving self-efficacy)
of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease from screening by enrolling 1,800 dyads of older primary care
patients and their family members.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9882928
- **Project number:** 5R01AG056325-03
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Nicole R. Fowler
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $605,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-06-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9882928

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9882928, The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer's Disease Screening (COADS) Trial (5R01AG056325-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9882928. Licensed CC0.

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