UMSS20 Student Profile: Michelle Ward

Michelle Ward, Psychology
Influence of Personality on Dementia Caregiver Stress
Mentored by Fayezah Ahmed

Michelle Ward studies the stress levels of dementia caregivers in Maine. She examines the influence of personality to determine which caregivers are at a greater risk of high stress. Her findings could help provide better support for these caregivers and in turn provide better support for dementia patients.

“My project will help increase awareness of dementia caregiver stress and inform providers which caregivers may be most at risk for burnout. The better support a caregiver receives, the better care the person with dementia will receive as well,” says Ward.