TRANSFORMING CAREGIVING FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN QUEBEC: A DYADIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION APPROACH
AUTHOR(S) & CREDENTIALS: Anna Andrianova, Ph.D. Social Work, and Cassy Hemphill, Communications and Engagement Coordinator
AFFILIATED INSTITUTION(S): Université Laval, Québec, Canada and AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub: APPTA, AGE-WELL NCE.
Anna Andrianova is an experienced professional with degrees in psychology and social work, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Social Work at Université Laval. Her career is deeply influenced by her passion for caregiving.
Anna’s Ph.D. research focuses on how mindfulness can help reduce repetitive negative thinking, a known risk factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease. She aims to improve the mental health of older adults and their caregivers through mindfulness-based techniques.
As the coordinator at the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), part of the Academic Affairs and Research Ethics Directorate of CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, Anna is dedicated to advancing caregiving research and best practices. She collaborates with community, academic, and institutional partners, emphasizing the importance of real-life experiences in caregiving.
Her motivation comes from observing the significant challenges faced by caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. She aims to lessen the stress, depression, and burnout that caregivers often experience.
Anna’s project titled ‘Transforming Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Quebec: A Dyadic and Technological Innovation Approach’ focuses on a holistic approach to dementia care, prioritizing the relationship between the caregiver and the person living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Inspired by the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program, she proposes a care model that uses digital and AI tools to improve caregiving. This model includes needs assessments, personalized care plans, and ongoing management to adapt to the changing needs of caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Research in this area is crucial as it addresses the needs of the growing number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers. Innovative care models can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and lessen the emotional and physical strain on caregivers. This research can also lead to scalable solutions with broad benefits for healthcare systems.
Anna’s work has important policy implications, advocating for a dyadic care approach in health and social care settings. This requires policy changes to provide comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, allocate resources for caregiver support, and integrate technology into care practices.
Using AI and digital tools in caregiving is a promising area for innovation. Anna highlights the potential of AI to predict caregiver stress, develop personalized care plans, and offer real-time support. Embracing these technologies could revolutionize caregiving, making it more responsive and efficient, and ensuring sustainability amid increasing demands.
Click to read Anna Andrianova’s full policy brief: “Transforming Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Quebec: A Dyadic and Technological Innovation Approach”.
