Tina Sadarangani

Faculty

Tina Sadarangani headshot

Tina Sadarangani

PhD RN ANP-C GNP-BC

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7183
Accepting PhD students

Prof. Tina Sadarangani, PhD, RN, FAAN is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. Sadarangani is an NIH-funded clinician scientist over-seeing a research portfolio focused on improving care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. She has built a growing movement to help families, especially immigrant families, caring for a chronically ill person navigate a complex and fragmented healthcare system. Her work has impacted families and eldercare organizations nationwide. Sadarangani’s expertise includes family caregivers, adult day care services, older adult nutrition, age-tech, and addressing the long-term care needs of ethnically diverse older adults.

With support from the National Institutes of Health, Sadarangani created an award-winning mobile app– CareMobiTM - out of her NYU lab that helps family members caring for a chronically ill loved one, particularly those with dementia, communicate around the day-to-day care of their loved ones. She is also the creator of The Enlightened Caregiver – a social media movement -  that empowers families with practical guidance on how to get optimal, not usual, healthcare for the people they love. 

Her research also innovatively positions adult day centers, which represent a growing but understudied sector of long-term care, as platforms for chronic disease management in underserved communities. A leader in using community-partnered research in adult day centers, her on-going collaborations with the National Adult Day Services Association and the California Association of Adult Day Services, have demonstrated that integrating adult day centers into the healthcare continuum contributes to reductions in avoidable healthcare utilization and person-centered care. She is also the nation's leading researcher focused on evaluating and improving nutrition programs in adult day centers.

Sadarangani has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals, including in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. She has been featured in the New York Times, Associated Press, US News and World Report, among several other major media outlets. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction/Rising Star in Long-Term Care and recently recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a Notable Leader in Healthcare. 

 

PhD, New York University
MS, University of Pennsylvania
BSN, New York University
BA, Georgetown University
Chronic disease
Gerontology
Health Policy
Health Services Research
Immigrants
Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations
American Gerontological Society
American Heart Association
National Gerontological Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society
Top 10% of Most-Viewed Papers Published in 2023, Journal of Clinical Nursing, The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID‐19 pandemic (2025)
Alumni Nursing Exemplar, Georgetown University School of Nursing, New York, NY. (2025)
NYU Meyers Dean's Excellence in Research Award for Senior Faculty - recognizes full-time faculty who have engaged in research that contributes to the development of new scientific knowledge, or advances in nursing practice or education (2025)
Rising Star Award, National Institute on Aging (NIA), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), Advancing Geriatrics Infrastructure and Network Growth (AGING) Initiative and Alzheimer's Diagnosis in older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network, &quot (2025)
Gold Medal Winner, CareMobi: Connecting Families and Day Centers. McKnight’s Long-term Care Technology Awards, Keep It Super Simple Category. New York, NY. (2024)
UBS x Luminary Fellow, Supporting Women of Color Founders, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship (FAAN), American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC (2024)
Fellow Status (FGSA), Gerontological Society of America, Seattle, WA. (2024)
Luminary Award, National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America 7 th Nursing Conference. Suffern, NY. (2024)
Judge’s Award for Best Fast Pitch, 2023 National Institute on Aging Start-up Challenge “Shark Tank” Competition, Las Vegas, NV (2023)
Finalist, National Institute on Aging 2023 Start-up Challenge, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Top 10 Reviewer Award - Research in Gerontological Nursing (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2022)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2021)
Woman of Distinction (Rising Star), McKnight’s Long-Term Care, New York, NY (2021)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2019)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2018)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2017)
Valedictorian, New York University (2017)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2017)
Hillman Alumni Network Innovation Fellowship, Hillman Alumni Network (2016)
Doctoral Audience Choice Winner, New York University (2016)
Research Podium Presentation Award, Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association (2016)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2015)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2014)
Spirit of Hillman Award, Hillman Alumni Network (2014)
Summa Cum Laude, Georgetown University
Phi Beta Kappa, Georgetown University

How Housing Influences Nursing Home Utilization in the United States: An Integrative Review

Sadarangani, T., Bergh, M., Brody, A. A., Sadarangani, T. R., Okoye, S., & Altizer, J. T. T. (2026). In Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (Vols. 27, Issues 3, p. 106077).
Abstract
Abstract
Given the growing housing crisis, researchers increasingly point to housing as a possible risk factor for nursing home utilization, yet the exact pathways from housing to nursing home utilization are unclear. The purpose of this review is to describe how housing acts as a mechanism that influences nursing home utilization in the United States.

Overall and Avoidable Healthcare Utilization among Heterogeneous Hispanic/Latino Ethnic Groups with Cognitive Impairment in the Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA)

Sadarangani, T., Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Finik, J., Ðoàn, L. N., Pagán, J. A., Wu, B., Fletcher, J., & Sadarangani, T. (2026). In Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities.
Abstract
Abstract
Latino individuals represent one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States, and the impact of dementia is rising within this population. Despite this growth, most research on healthcare utilization has predominantly focused on non-Hispanic White populations. The limited body of literature that does include Latino populations often treats them as a monolithic racial/ethnic category, which overlooks intra-group heterogeneity. As a result, little is known about how healthcare utilization patterns relate to cognitive impairment status across specific Latino ethnic groups.

Barriers to Timely Dementia Diagnosis in Older Latinos With Limited English Proficiency : An Integrative Review

Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Squires, A. P., Wu, B., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). In Journal of Transcultural Nursing (Vols. 36, Issue 1, pp. 57-72). 10.1177/10436596241268456
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Timely diagnosis is critical for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) to ensure they receive adequate services; however, timely diagnosis may be prevented by a person’s English language skills. The purpose of this integrative review was to understand how limited English proficiency (LEP) impacts older Latino’s ability to access a timely ADRD diagnosis. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological approach guided the review. Searches in five databases yielded 12 articles for inclusion. Results: Lack of culturally congruent health care systems, health care providers, and knowledge of ADRD resulted in delays in obtaining a timely ADRD diagnosis among older Latinos with LEP. Discussion: Latinos with LEP and risk for ADRD benefit from language assistance and support in navigating the health care system. Nurses must be advocates, even when a language barrier is present, and recognize that interpreters are not a single source solution.

Identifying Person-Centered Outcome Measures for Use in Adult Day Services: An E-Delphi Consensus Study

Sadarangani, T., Scher, C. J., Anderson, K., Zagorski, W., Siamdoust, S., Finik, J., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). In Sage open aging (Vols. 11, p. 30495334251408570).
Abstract
Abstract
Researchers and advocates recognize that adult day services (ADS) play a key role in delivering person-centered care to individuals living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, few ADS centers are routinely measuring person-centered outcomes, thereby limiting our ability to understand the impact of ADS on these key indicators of well-being. Guided by Kitwood's framework of person-centered dementia care, this study aimed to identify valid, reliable, and practical person-centered outcome measures that reflect ADRD quality-of-life domains. Twenty-two ADS practitioners and researchers ( = 22) participated in a two-round e-Delphi review to evaluate 10 potential outcome measures across four person-centered domains: meaning and purpose; engagement; social networks; and sense of belonging. Based upon scores on select characteristics in Round 1 of the e-Delphi review (e.g., ease of administration, relevance to population), consensus was reached in Round 2 (66.67% supermajority) on the following measures: the (76%); the (76%); and the (67%). Panelists could not reach consensus on the (52%) and the (48%), so both were retained for future evaluation. The scales identified in this e-Delphi review will now be incorporated into real-world data collection beta-testing to evaluate feasibility, practicality and impact of ADS on these person-centered outcomes.

Interventions and Predictors of Transition to Hospice for People Living With Dementia : An Integrative Review

Murali, K. P., Gogineni, S., Bullock, K., Mcdonald, M., Sadarangani, T., Schulman-Green, D., & Brody, A. A. (2025). In Gerontologist (Vols. 65, Issues 5). 10.1093/geront/gnaf046
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Goal-concordant transition to hospice is an important facet of end-of-life care for people living with dementia. The objective of this integrative review was to appraise existing evidence and gaps focused on interventions and predictors of transition to hospice and end-of-life care for persons living with dementia across healthcare to inform future research. Research Design and Methods: Using integrative review methodology by Whittemore and Knafl, 5 databases were searched (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews) for articles between 2000 and 2023. The search focused on dementia, hospice care, transitions, care management and/or coordination, and intervention studies. Results: Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria after critical appraisal. Most were cross-sectional in design and conducted in nursing homes and hospitals in the U.S. persons living with dementia had multiple chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Interventions included components of hospice decision-making delivered through advance care planning, checklist-based care management for hospice transition, and palliative care for those with severe dementia. Predictors included increasing severity of illness including functional decline, organ failure, intensive care use, and the receipt of palliative care. Other predictors were related to insurance status, race and ethnicity, and caregiver burden. Overall, despite moderate to high-quality evidence, the studies were limited in scope and sample and lacked racial and ethnic diversity. Discussion and Implications: Prospective, multisite randomized trials and population-based analyses including larger and diverse samples are needed for improved end-of-life dementia illness counseling and hospice care transitions for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Leveraging data, technology, and policy to address disparities for persons living with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias

Fabius, C. D., Chen, J., Coe, N. B., Drabo, E. F., Fashaw-Walters, S., Rivera-Hernandez, M., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). In Alzheimer's and Dementia (Vols. 21, Issues 4). 10.1002/alz.70186
Abstract
Abstract
Addressing disparities related to Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) is a priority for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. In this perspective, we highlight important gaps and opportunities presented during Session 4: Disparities in Health Care Access, Utilization, and Quality, of the 2023 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners/Caregivers. We call attention to three areas: (1) increased data availability and linkages across local, state, and federal levels; (2) health information technology use and related care access, quality, and costs; and (3) diverse health insurance models used to enable access to medical care, long-term services and supports, and address care quality. Recommendations present considerations for future research and opportunities to strengthen policies related to the care of persons living with AD/ADRD. Highlights: Disparities related to AD/ADRD negatively impact diverse populations. Limited data on underrepresented groups make it difficult to assess the full scope of disparities. Increasing access to health information technology is necessary for reducing disparities. More information is needed to understand the impact of payment models on addressing disparities.

Leveraging data, technology, and policy to address disparities for persons living with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias

Sadarangani, T., Fabius, C. D., Chen, J., Coe, N. B., Drabo, E. F., Fashaw-Walters, S., Rivera-Hernandez, M., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). In Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association (Vols. 21, Issues 4, p. e70186).
Abstract
Abstract
Addressing disparities related to Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) is a priority for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. In this perspective, we highlight important gaps and opportunities presented during Session 4: Disparities in Health Care Access, Utilization, and Quality, of the 2023 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners/Caregivers. We call attention to three areas: (1) increased data availability and linkages across local, state, and federal levels; (2) health information technology use and related care access, quality, and costs; and (3) diverse health insurance models used to enable access to medical care, long-term services and supports, and address care quality. Recommendations present considerations for future research and opportunities to strengthen policies related to the care of persons living with AD/ADRD. HIGHLIGHTS: Disparities related to AD/ADRD negatively impact diverse populations. Limited data on underrepresented groups make it difficult to assess the full scope of disparities. Increasing access to health information technology is necessary for reducing disparities. More information is needed to understand the impact of payment models on addressing disparities.

"We feel like a family here": person-centered outcomes of adult day services use from the voices of people living with dementia and their caregivers

Sadarangani, T., Scher, C. J., Anderson, K., Zagorski, W., Siamdoust, S., Li, Y., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). In BMC health services research (Vols. 25, Issue 1, p. 1188).
Abstract
Abstract
As the number of persons living with dementia (PLWD) grows, there is a pressing need for person-centered long-term care solutions that prioritize their experiences. Adult day centers (ADCs) play a critical role in supporting PLWD, yet most research focuses on outcomes relevant to caregivers and payors rather than the voices of those receiving care. This study explores PLWD’s firsthand perspectives on their ADC experiences, using Kitwood’s (1997) person-centered dementia care framework which identifies five key psychological needs: inclusion, attachment, comfort, occupation, and identity.

Adult day services : a potential antidote to social isolation and loneliness in marginalized older adults

Sadarangani, T., Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Qi, X., & Zagorski, W. (2024). In Frontiers in Public Health (Vols. 12). 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1427425
Abstract
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation affect more than 1 in 4 community-dwelling older adults in the United States, who may also require long-term care support. Despite being seen as a solution to the long-term care crisis, most older adults prefer to age in place rather than using skilled nursing facilities. However, in-home care is unsustainable due to a shortage of direct care workers and may exacerbate social isolation by confining older adults to their homes. Adult Day Services (ADS) addresses both issues. ADS provides care to adults with physical, functional, and or cognitive limitations in non-residential, congregate, community-based settings. ADS also provides daily cognitive and physical stimulation, often with medical support, in a social and supported environment, centered around the needs and preferences of participants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 5,000 ADS centers were widely available. However, with limited public support, the ADS industry has struggled as demand by the growing number of older adults and families need health and social support. The ADS industry must be recognized for its unique ability to buffer social isolation and loneliness in chronically ill older adults while serving as an effective platform for chronic disease management. This perspective piece highlights the critical role of ADS centers in reducing loneliness and social isolation and promoting healthy equity. We also explore the benefits of ADS, the financial, policy, and societal barriers to utilizing ADS, and the potential solutions to ensure its sustainability and growth.

Adult day services: a potential antidote to social isolation and loneliness in marginalized older adults

Sadarangani, T., Sadarangani, T., Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Qi, X., & Zagorski, W. (2024). In Frontiers in public health (Vols. 12, p. 1427425).
Abstract
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation affect more than 1 in 4 community-dwelling older adults in the United States, who may also require long-term care support. Despite being seen as a solution to the long-term care crisis, most older adults prefer to age in place rather than using skilled nursing facilities. However, in-home care is unsustainable due to a shortage of direct care workers and may exacerbate social isolation by confining older adults to their homes. Adult Day Services (ADS) addresses both issues. ADS provides care to adults with physical, functional, and or cognitive limitations in non-residential, congregate, community-based settings. ADS also provides daily cognitive and physical stimulation, often with medical support, in a social and supported environment, centered around the needs and preferences of participants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 5,000 ADS centers were widely available. However, with limited public support, the ADS industry has struggled as demand by the growing number of older adults and families need health and social support. The ADS industry must be recognized for its unique ability to buffer social isolation and loneliness in chronically ill older adults while serving as an effective platform for chronic disease management. This perspective piece highlights the critical role of ADS centers in reducing loneliness and social isolation and promoting healthy equity. We also explore the benefits of ADS, the financial, policy, and societal barriers to utilizing ADS, and the potential solutions to ensure its sustainability and growth.