Mindfulness Training for African American Dementia Caregivers

What Is This Study About?

This study will assess the effects of mindfulness training for African American rural caregivers and care partners of people with moderate to severe dementia. The researchers are looking at the potential to decrease caregiver burden and improve coping skills. Participants will receive training delivered by telephone once weekly for eight weeks, covering topics such as mindful communication, listening, and speaking, as well as compassion for self and others. The intervention also includes one in-person 3.5-hour retreat, which includes respite care. 

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Self-identify as Black or African American
• Provide at least 4 hours of care per day to the care recipient, who must have either a dementia diagnosis or an assessment score indicating moderate to severe dementia
• Care partner who helps make decisions about care for the person with dementia (can be a relative or close friend, not a formal caregiver; doesn't have to live in the same geographic area)
• Both the primary caregiver and care partner must have access to a telephone

Must NOT have:

• Too unwell to participate (e.g., active diagnosis of cancer or more than three hospitalizations in the past year)
• Participation in prior mindfulness training
• History of serious mental illness requiring more than two psychotropic medications per day or hospitalization for a psychiatric condition
• Current substance use disorder that causes disability or family conflict
• Unable to identify and recruit a care partner to participate in study
• Care recipient does not meet the criteria for dementia

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?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Collaborator Sponsor

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04058886