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When you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. That can be dangerous, especially if you yourself have a chronic condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

According to existing research, “80% of caregivers have a chronic health condition,” said Kyra Mendez, a Ph.D. student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “It’s more common than you’d think.”

Now, Hopkins researchers want to learn whether family caregivers with a chronic health condition are using mobile apps to keep track of their own health.

“The study is investigating how dementia family caregivers with a chronic health condition use technology,” Mendez said.

Some caregivers, for instance, may use an app called BlueStar by Welldoc to keep track of blood sugar levels. Others may use a weight loss app called Noom. 

The study isn’t endorsing any particular app, Mendez noted. The researchers want to know this “just so we can understand more about caregivers,” she said. “Not a lot of research has been done in this area.”

People can participate from home in this “one-time survey,” Mendez said.

To participate, call or email Mendez’s office for a link to the survey. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to answer the questions, Mendez said, and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their time.

The survey is open to anyone over age 18 who has a chronic medical condition and also cares for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. You must also own or have access to a mobile device.

The National Institute of Nursing Research is a funding sponsor of the study (PI: Hae Ra Han, PhD; Johns Hopkins IRB00198665).

To learn more or to participate, call (410) 929-4327 or email the research team at tech4caregiverhopkinstudy@gmail.com.