TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama Center for Mental Health and Aging has awarded its first research grants to nine UA faculty members, announced Drs. Lucinda Roff and Lou Burgio, CMHA co-directors.

The competitive Intramural Grants Program provides support for both new researchers in aging and faculty members interested in expanding their research into one of the center’s four aging focus areas: elder caregiving, mental health of rural elders, quality of care in nursing homes, and palliative care and end of life issues.

Those receiving grants are:

Dr. Rebecca S. Allen, UA assistant professor of psychology, ($12,000), “Palliative and Existentially Augmented Care at the End-of-Life (PEACE): Examing the Role of Legacy Activities on Caregiver and Care Recipient Distress.”

Dr. Martha Crowther, UA assistant professor of psychology, ($12,000), “Custodial Grandparent: Exploring Religion and Spirituality.”

Dr. Jullet Davis, UA assistant professor of management and marketing, ($5,000), “Determining Strategic Differences Among Alabama Nursing Homes.”

Dr. Beth Macauley, UA assistant professor of communicative disorders, ($12,000), “The Impact of Action Errors on Quality of Life in Persons with Dementia.”

Dr. Gordon MacNeil, UA associate professor of social work, and Dr. Sherry M. Cummings, University of Tennessee School of Social Work, ($10,000), “Caregivers of Older Clients with Severe Mental Illness: Burdens, Rewards and Service Needs.”

Dr. Forest Scogin, UA professor of psychology, ($12,000), “Behavioral Activation as a Treatment for Geriatric Depression.

Dr. John Wheat, UA professor of community and rural medicine, Dr. Bronwen Lichtenstein, UA research scientist in Institute for Rural Health Research, and Dr. Andrea Ohldin, Harper Geriatric Center, UA College of Community Health Sciences, ($12,000), “A Trial of Multi-Sensory Stimulation on the Management of Verbally Disruptive Behaviors in Institutionalized Elders Suffering from Dementia.

These grants are made possible by an award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Established in 2002, CMHA’s mission is to develop new knowledge, test new interventions, and disseminate information related to mental health and again. Through applied interdisciplinary research, the CMHA promotes improved quality of life for older adults.

For more information, contact CMHA at 205/348-7518.