Stress Management for Dementia Caregivers

What Is This Study About?

This study will compare different types of stress-reduction interventions and determine whether a caregiver's preferences for an intervention makes a difference. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three behavioral intervention groups: audiovisual information on 12 activities (e.g., crossword puzzles, gardening, exercise); biofeedback (using a heart-rate tracking device to learn to change breathing); or resourcefulness training (learning stress management, problem-solving, and help-seeking skills). Using questionnaires, the researchers will measure changes in the caregivers general physical and mental health, risk behaviors, resourcefulness, perceived stress, and mood at the start of the study, at six months, and at one year. Some participants will also be asked to keep a journal to record their experiences.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Have a living family member, or a recently deceased family member, diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia. In addition, one of the following must apply:
  • Provides a minimum of four hours per day of supervision or direct care at home; began providing in-home dementia care within the past year
  • Has a family member with dementia who moved into a nursing or assisted living facility within the past year; visits their family member with dementia at least once per week
  • Has direct oversight of the personal belongings, estate, and finances of a family member with dementia who died within the past six months

Must NOT have:

• Currently pregnant 
• Has a pacemaker
• Lives outside of the study area
• Knowledge of another family member, in the same household, enrolled in the study

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Ohio
CWRU School of Nursing Cleveland, OH 44106 Recruiting Evelina DiFranco, MPH

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: Case Western Reserve University

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04603482