Project Overview
Family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) often face overwhelming emotional and mental health challenges—yet access to effective, affordable support remains one of their greatest unmet needs. To address this gap, this project seeks to develop and test WeACT, an innovative, AI-enabled web application grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
ACT is a proven, evidence-based approach that promotes psychological flexibility through mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven action. By delivering ACT strategies via a personalized AI-enhanced platform, WeACT offers a scalable, accessible solution for caregivers seeking mental health support.
Goals & Objectives
The project unfolds in two major phases:
🧩 Phase 1: App Adaptation and Development
- Collaborate with a Community Advisory Board to adapt and refine the WeACT platform for family caregivers of PLWD.
- Tailor ACT content to the unique needs, experiences, and caregiving contexts of this population.
🧪 Phase 2: Feasibility & Usability Study
- Conduct a small-scale feasibility study using a mixed-methods design.
- Recruit 20 family caregivers to use the app and provide feedback.
- Evaluate:
- Number of days and minutes of engagement
- Completion of ACT modules and activities
- Usability and acceptability through interviews and questionnaires
- Changes in caregiver mental health and ACT-related psychological processes
Anticipated Impact
- Improve access to mental health support for underserved caregiver populations
- Enable self-paced, AI-guided ACT interventions without the need for in-person clinical visits
- Generate foundational data for future large-scale clinical trials
- Contribute to the development of a low-cost, scalable, evidence-based mobile health solution for caregivers
Why It Matters
Caregivers of PLWD often sacrifice their own well-being while supporting their loved ones. With WeACT, this project aims to empower caregivers with accessible, personalized mental health support—helping them build resilience, reduce distress, and improve their quality of life.
For more information or collaboration inquiries, please contact the ALA-AI research team.