Caregiver Support Training for Dementia

(LST Trial)

Overseen By Patricia N Burant, Ed.D., M.A.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University

Must not be taking: Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Prior LST participants, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 6 weeks

200 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have started or changed depression treatment in the last 3 months, you may not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Caregiver Healthy Living Intervention, Learning Skills Together, Caregiver Healthy Living Intervention, Learning Skills Together Intervention, LST, Learning Skills Together Family Caregiver Complex Intervention?

The Learning Skills Together program showed that caregivers felt more confident in providing complex care tasks after participating, with improvements in their self-efficacy (belief in their ability to succeed) observed at both 4 and 8 weeks after the program. This suggests that the program can help caregivers feel more prepared and capable in their roles. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Caregiver Support Training for Dementia safe for participants?

The Learning Skills Together program for caregivers of people with dementia was well-received, with participants reporting high satisfaction and finding the information easy to understand. There were no safety concerns reported in the study, suggesting it is generally safe for participants. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does the Caregiver Support Training for Dementia treatment differ from other treatments for this condition?

The Caregiver Support Training for Dementia is unique because it focuses on empowering family caregivers through a psychoeducational program, improving their confidence and skills in providing complex care tasks for dementia patients, rather than directly treating the patients themselves. ^{1 2 4 7 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Learning Skills Together (LST) is a 6-week psychoeducational intervention focused on complex care (nursing) tasks completed by family caregivers to persons living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. This study aims to test the efficacy of LST at reducing caregiver depression and negative appraisal of behavioral symptoms of dementia by building caregiver self-efficacy. To do this, eligible participants will be randomized into an intervention group (LST) or a control group condition focused on healthy living for family caregivers. Participants will be asked to complete surveys before and after participating in the intervention or the control condition to determine whether change in hypothesized outcomes can be attributed to the intervention condition.

Research Team

Kylie N Meyer, PhD, Mac

Principal Investigator

Case Western Reserve University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults who help care for a family member with Alzheimer's or related dementia, can attend most online sessions, and assist with daily living tasks. They must speak English, have not recently altered depression treatment, and don't plan to move the care recipient to a nursing facility soon.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a family member of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia.

Report a Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) rating for care recipients between 4 to 6

Commit to attending at least 5 of the 6 discussion sessions

Exclusion Criteria

Participated in Learning Skills Together in the past

Plans to place the care recipient in a skilled nursing facility within the next 9 months (i.e., study duration)

I was diagnosed with depression or changed my depression treatment in the last 3 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 6-week psychoeducational intervention focused on complex care tasks for family caregivers

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver self-efficacy, depression, and appraisal of behavioral symptoms of dementia

6 months

3 visits (virtual) at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-intervention

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Caregiver Healthy Living Intervention
• Learning Skills Together Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests Learning Skills Together (LST), a program designed to reduce caregiver depression by improving their ability to manage complex caregiving tasks. Participants will either receive LST or join a control group focusing on caregivers' health, comparing outcomes via surveys.

Participant Groups

Group I: Learning Skills Together Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Complex care psychoeducation training intervention for family caregivers

Group II: Caregiver Healthy Living Intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

Healthy living intervention for family caregivers

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Case Western Reserve University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

314

Recruited

236,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Findings from Research

A pilot study involving 35 family caregivers showed that the 4-week Learning Skills Together (LST) psychoeducation program significantly improved caregivers' self-efficacy in providing complex care tasks for persons living with dementia, with measurable improvements at both 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention.

Despite 53% of caregivers providing complex care without training, the LST program was well-received, with participants reporting high satisfaction and finding the information easy to understand, indicating its potential effectiveness in enhancing caregiver confidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver self-efficacy improves following complex care training: Results from the Learning Skills Together pilot study. Meyer, K., Glassner, A., Norman, R., et al.[2023]

The psychoeducational program 'Living together with dementia' significantly reduced the burden experienced by family caregivers of people with dementia, based on a quasi-experimental study involving 15 participants.

The study included pretest and posttest assessments with a follow-up period of 4 months, suggesting that the program could be an effective training tool for caregivers in managing dementia-related challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Living Together with Dementia"-A psychoeducational group programme for family caregivers. Sousa, L., Sequeira, C., Ferré-Grau, C., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 43 caregiver and person-with-dementia dyads, active psychoeducational interventions significantly improved caregivers' skills and reduced their burden compared to passive interventions, as measured by various assessment tools.

The active intervention led to better outcomes in caregiver competence and distress levels after just three months, highlighting the effectiveness of engaging methods like role-play and problem-solving in caregiver training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver active participation in psychoeducational intervention improved caregiving skills and competency. Tang, SH., Chio, OI., Chang, LH., et al.[2019]

Training programs for family caregivers of people with dementia typically consist of six sessions over six weeks, focusing on essential skills and strategies for effective care, which can significantly enhance caregiver support.

The review highlights the importance of assessing caregiver needs at three key points during the training (initial, final, and follow-up), which can help tailor support and improve caregiver well-being and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training programmes for family caregivers of people with dementia living at home: integrative review. Sousa, L., Sequeira, C., Ferré-Grau, C., et al.[2018]

The Minnesota Family Workshop, consisting of seven weekly sessions, effectively reduced caregiver burden for families of dementia patients by providing education, support, and skills training.

The program's design encouraged family involvement by requiring primary caregivers to bring at least one other family member, enhancing the support network for both caregivers and patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training family caregivers of patients with dementia. A structured workshop approach. Ostwald, SK., Hepburn, KW., Burns, T.[2019]

The Home Safety Toolkit (HST) significantly improved caregiver competence in creating safer home environments for individuals with dementia, as evidenced by reduced caregiver strain and increased self-efficacy, with results showing statistical significance (P ≤ 0.001 for home safety and P = 0.002 for self-efficacy).

The intervention also led to a notable decrease in risky behaviors and accidents among care receivers, highlighting the effectiveness of the HST in enhancing safety for individuals with dementia living at home.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical trial of a home safety toolkit for Alzheimer's disease. Horvath, KJ., Trudeau, SA., Rudolph, JL., et al.[2021]

The study outlines a randomized control trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-week training program called 'Living together with Dementia' for family caregivers of individuals with early to moderate dementia, aiming to empower caregivers and improve their skills.

Caregivers will be assessed at three different points: before the training, immediately after, and 3 to 6 months later, using various scales to measure caregiver burden and satisfaction, highlighting the program's potential to enhance caregiver support and intervention strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Living together with dementia": Training programme for family caregivers - A study protocol. Sousa, L., Sequeira, C., Ferré-Grau, C., et al.[2022]

Participants in the Paired PLIÉ program reported significant improvements in physical, cognitive, and social/emotional functioning, as well as enhanced relationship quality, highlighting the program's efficacy for people with dementia and their care partners.

Feedback from care partners indicated that transitioning to community classes after the initial program continued to provide benefits, suggesting the program's lasting positive impact on maintaining function and quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An integrative group movement program for people with dementia and care partners together (Paired PLIÉ): initial process evaluation. Casey, JJ., Harrison, KL., Ventura, MI., et al.[2023]

Caregiver skill-building interventions for family caregivers of elderly individuals, particularly those caring for dementia patients, are more effective than traditional information and support interventions.

The study identifies essential content and skills that caregivers need to manage difficult behaviors, daily living activities, and cognitive decline in their care recipients, highlighting the importance of targeted training for effective caregiving.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer's disease caregiving information and skills. Part I: care recipient issues and concerns. Farran, CJ., Loukissa, D., Perraud, S., et al.[2007]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver self-efficacy improves following complex care training: Results from the Learning Skills Together pilot study. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Living Together with Dementia"-A psychoeducational group programme for family caregivers. [2022]

3. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver active participation in psychoeducational intervention improved caregiving skills and competency. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training programmes for family caregivers of people with dementia living at home: integrative review. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training family caregivers of patients with dementia. A structured workshop approach. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical trial of a home safety toolkit for Alzheimer's disease. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Living together with dementia": Training programme for family caregivers - A study protocol. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An integrative group movement program for people with dementia and care partners together (Paired PLIÉ): initial process evaluation. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer's disease caregiving information and skills. Part I: care recipient issues and concerns. [2007]