Spanish-Language Program for Dementia Caregiver Burden

Overseen By Maria P Aranda, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Southern California

Disqualifiers: Severe sensory or physical conditions

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 3 weeks

225 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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Unidos en el Cuidado® for reducing caregiver burden in dementia?

A study on a similar Spanish-language virtual therapy for dementia caregivers showed that it reduced depression and improved well-being and caregiver burden, suggesting that culturally adapted programs can be effective in supporting caregivers. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Spanish-Language Program for Dementia Caregiver Burden safe for humans?

The research on similar programs, like the virtual Mentalizing Imagery Therapy for Spanish-speaking dementia caregivers, shows that these interventions are generally safe and well-received. Participants reported high satisfaction and improvements in well-being without any safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

What makes the Unidos en el Cuidado® treatment unique for dementia caregiver burden?

Unidos en el Cuidado® is unique because it is a Spanish-language program specifically designed for Latino family caregivers of people with dementia, providing culturally tailored support through virtual Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT). This approach combines guided imagery and mindfulness training to reduce depression and improve well-being, making it distinct from other treatments that may not be culturally or linguistically adapted for this population. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The investigators will test the efficacy of Unidos en el Cuidado® (United in Caring, herein Unidos), a 3-session, culturally-adapted, group psychoeducational and skill-building intervention for 226 Spanish-speaking family caregivers in California.

Research Team

Maria P Aranda, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Southern California

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Spanish-speaking family caregivers in California who are taking care of relatives with dementia. The program aims to help them manage the stress and challenges associated with caregiving.

Inclusion Criteria

Dementia family caregivers living (or recently lived) in California or whose care recipient lives (or recently lived) in California

I identify as a woman, man, or non-binary.

Speaks and reads Spanish

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe sensory or physical conditions that would stop me from participating.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the Unidos en el Cuidado intervention, consisting of 3 weekly online sessions, each lasting about 2 hours

3 weeks

3 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for primary and secondary outcomes at multiple observation points

6 months

3 visits (virtual)

Qualitative Assessment

Focus group interviews to assess satisfaction and acceptability of the program

1-2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Unidos en el Cuidado®

Trial Overview The study is testing Unidos en el Cuidado®, a culturally-tailored program consisting of three group sessions designed to educate and build skills for Latino dementia caregivers, against a wait list control group.

Participant Groups

Group I: Group A: Treatment Group Receives the Classes Soon after Randomization Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Spanish-language caregiver classes are called Unidos en el Cuidado and are taught online by Alzheimer's Los Angeles. Sessions are provided at no cost and held weekly for about 2 hours.

Group II: Group B: Wait List Control Group Receives the Classes after a Waiting Period Active Control 1 Intervention

This wait list control group receives the same classes but after a 3-4 week waiting period.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Southern California

Lead Sponsor

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

California Department of Public Health

Collaborator

Trials

7

Recruited

5,800+

Findings from Research

A Spanish language adaptation of a virtual Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT) program was successfully implemented for 12 Spanish-speaking family caregivers of people with dementia, showing high satisfaction and full participation in the program.

The caregivers experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms by week three, which was maintained at a 4-month follow-up, along with improvements in mindfulness, caregiver burden, and overall well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual mentalizing imagery therapy for Spanish language Latino family dementia caregivers: A feasibility and acceptability study. Ramirez-Gomez, L., Johnson, JK., Ritchie, C., et al.[2023]

A study involving 16 Latino caregivers aged 50 to 75 revealed that caregiver responsibilities and health decline were significant sources of burden for those caring for family members with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Cultural values, particularly gender roles, influenced caregivers' experiences, highlighting disparities in support and responsibilities, with women feeling a greater burden due to traditional expectations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sources of Caregiving Burden in Middle-Aged and Older Latino Caregivers. Balbim, GM., Magallanes, M., Marques, IG., et al.[2021]

A new website, Cuidatecuidador.com, was created to provide bilingual information specifically for Spanish-speaking caregivers of individuals with dementia, addressing a significant gap in culturally appropriate resources.

Evaluation of the website by caregivers from three countries indicated that access to this information may lead to increased feelings of mastery and a decrease in depressive symptoms among caregivers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of an online community to provide support to caregivers of people with dementia. Pagán-Ortiz, ME., Cortés, DE., Rudloff, N., et al.[2022]

References

1. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The CUIDEME Study: determinants of burden in chilean primary caregivers of patients with dementia. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual mentalizing imagery therapy for Spanish language Latino family dementia caregivers: A feasibility and acceptability study. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychometric evaluation of a Spanish language version of the Screen for Caregiver Burden (SCB) in caregivers of patients with mixed, vascular and Alzheimer's dementia. [2022]

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

Sources of Caregiving Burden in Middle-Aged and Older Latino Caregivers. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Structural equation model linking dementia cognitive functioning, caregiver mental health, burden, and quality of informal care in Argentina. [2018]

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

Interventions for Hispanic caregivers of patients with dementia: a review of the literature. [2022]

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

Use of an online community to provide support to caregivers of people with dementia. [2022]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Text Messaging Intervention to Support Latinx Family Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia (CuidaTEXT): Development and Usability Study. [2023]