Lauren Bangerter, PhD

Lauren Bangerter, PhD., is a gerontologist and health services researcher with expertise in optimizing formal and informal care for people with cognitive impairment, physical disability, and chronic conditions. The goals of Dr. Bangerter’s research are to understand the experience, goals, and preferences of older adults as they transition from independence to a greater need for support and caregiving, particularly in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Care for older adults is often delivered formally by healthcare providers and informally by family caregivers. Dr. Bangerter focuses on understanding the complex intersection of formal and informal care and ensuring that healthcare providers and family caregivers can partner effectively and sustainably. She has leveraged population-based studies, qualitative methodology, and stakeholder engaged research, as well as conducted applied research in a range of settings including academic institutions, health systems, government agencies, and private industry. 

Research Interests

• Healthy aging
• Gerontology
• Health economics
• Health policy
• Long term care
• End-of-life care
• Health services research

Selected Research Studies

Paradoxical Lucidity in People Living with Dementia: This is a NIH funded study to assess instants of lucidity in people with late-stage dementia. This work includes qualitative interviews with dementia caregivers and a delphi method to better define lucid episodes in the context of dementia. 

Griffin, J.M., Bangerter, L.R., (2022) Caregiver appraisals of lucid episodes in people with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring doi: 10.1002/dad2.12313

Safety outcomes for People Living with Dementia: This study leverages patient safety event reports to assess the frequency and types of safety events that occur among people living with dementia. This work is part of a National Collaboratory for Elder Mistreatment Fellowship. 

Other Information

Society of Behavioral Medicine Champion (2020)

Health and Aging Policy Fellow (2018-2019)

National Collaboratory for Elder Mistreatment Fellow (2023-2024)