Communication Training for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Overseen By Lee A Lindquist, MD MPH MBA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Disqualifiers: Under 21 years, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial focuses on helping caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or similar cognitive conditions improve communication and conflict resolution. It aims to teach negotiation skills through exercises, such as handling disputes with patients, other caregivers, and doctors. The trial tests various combinations of these exercises to determine which are most effective. Caregivers who assist adults over 65 with daily tasks and healthcare decisions, and have internet access, might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers caregivers a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and improve their caregiving experience.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on communication training for caregivers, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that this negotiation training is safe for caregivers?

Research has shown that negotiation training for caregivers is generally safe. In studies with caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, participants reported no major negative effects from the training. This training includes activities to enhance communication and resolve conflicts, which are crucial skills for caregivers.

Although specific safety data for this training is not detailed, similar programs for caregivers have received positive feedback. For instance, one study found that most caregivers felt better prepared to handle conflicts after the training. These findings suggest that negotiation training is safe and can help improve relationships between caregivers and patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it focuses on improving communication between Alzheimer's caregivers and their patients through negotiation training. Unlike current standard treatments that primarily rely on medication and cognitive therapy to manage symptoms, this approach aims to enhance the interpersonal skills of caregivers. By equipping caregivers with conflict negotiation and dispute resolution techniques, the method could lead to better patient-caregiver relationships and potentially reduce stress for both parties. This innovative strategy addresses the emotional and relational challenges of caregiving, offering a fresh angle that complements existing medical treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's negotiation training could be effective for Alzheimer's caregivers?

Studies have shown that training in negotiation and conflict resolution helps caregivers communicate better and solve problems with Alzheimer's patients. In this trial, participants will engage in various conflict negotiation and dispute resolution exercises, such as 'Caregiver vs. Patient' and 'Caregiver vs. Physician'. Research indicates that a structured approach to negotiation resolves real-life conflicts between caregivers and older adults. An online program teaching these skills has proven effective in helping caregivers manage disputes. Extensive research supports that this type of training improves communication and relationship management for those caring for Alzheimer's patients. These findings suggest that such training can be a valuable tool for caregivers facing daily challenges. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking caregivers who help an adult over 65 with tasks like shopping or scheduling, are involved in healthcare decisions, can use the internet, and have noticed changes in memory or thinking skills of the person they care for.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a valid email address or the willingness to create one to access during the study

I provide at least 1 hour of care support weekly, like shopping or driving.

I am currently caring for someone over 65.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to speak and read English

I am under 21 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants undergo Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) training to improve communication and resolve conflicts

3 months

Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in communication skills and caregiver outcomes post-intervention

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Negotiation Training

Trial Overview The study tests a training program designed to improve how caregivers communicate and resolve conflicts. It involves different scenarios: caregiver vs. patient (beginner), caregiver vs. caregiver, caregiver vs. physician, and caregiver vs. patient (advanced).

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Condition 8 Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (4) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group II: Condition 7 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group III: Condition 6 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group IV: Condition 5 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group V: Condition 4 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VI: Condition 3 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VII: Condition 2 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' ' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VIII: Condition 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise. All participants will complete this exercise; it will serve as the constant.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10037562/

Transforming a Negotiation Framework to Resolve Conflicts ... The goal of this research was to apply a negotiation framework to resolve real-world family caregiver–older adult conflicts.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04837937

Negotiation Training for Caregiver Communication in AD | ... The purpose of this study is to design a Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) training intervention to improve communication and address resolution of ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11018462/

NegotiAge: Development and Pilot Testing of an Artificial ... An online AI-based negotiation program, based on the theory of dispute resolution, was developed to teach family caregivers how to resolve disputes.

4. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/alzheimer-disease-negotiation-training-caregiver-communication-ad-trial-nct04837937

Negotiation Training for Caregiver Communication in AD This study aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts that family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients often face. The Negotiation ...

5. agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jgs.18775

NegotiAge - American Geriatrics Society Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of Negotiation Dispute Reso- lution (NDR) training, specifically showing that lay peo- ple, ...

6. agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18775

NegotiAge: Development and pilot testing of an artificial ... NegotiAge is an Artificial-Intelligent Caregiver Negotiation Program, that is usable and feasible for family caregivers to become familiar with negotiating ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12179336/

Competency‐based training boosts dementia knowledge ... Level 1 outcomes—caregivers' reactions to the training. Pre‐training data revealed that 89% of caregivers had no prior dementia training.