Writing to Heal app featured in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

We’re thrilled to share that our latest paper has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (October 2025 issue). The article, “Initial development of the Writing to Heal app: A structured writing series for caregivers of spouses living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” details the app’s creation and early testing.

View article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

Writing to Heal is a mobile app designed to support spousal caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Focus groups and usability testing with 27 caregivers highlighted essential needs such as privacy, flexibility, and supportive prompts. Findings suggest the app may serve as a practical coping resource for caregivers navigating the challenges of dementia.

“Working with these caregivers allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences interacting with and caring for loved ones with ADRD as well as provided profound insight about how families and individuals cope with adverse or otherwise stressful experiences, and how we as researchers might better serve vulnerable populations.” said Kate Harris, HEAL Lab alumna and co-lead author.

“Each step in designing this intervention has been so rewarding, from organizing focus groups to working directly with caregivers to design the look and feel of the app itself. I’m so excited to see this research continue to progress so we can make a positive difference in the lives of both caregivers and the families they work so hard to support.” added Samantha Weiss, HEAL Lab alumna and co-lead author.

This publication is an exciting milestone for the HEAL Lab and reflects the collaboration of our research team, students, and community partners. We’re grateful for the contributions that made it possible.