Clinician-Facilitated Intervention for Dementia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to find a safe and effective way to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, in people with mild to moderate dementia. The study focuses on enhancing communication between individuals with dementia and their care partners to better align on everyday decisions and needs. Eligible participants include community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who frequently experience neuropsychiatric symptoms and have a care partner who knows them well. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve the quality of life for those with dementia.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this clinician-facilitated intervention is safe for dementia patients?
Research has shown that educational programs for dementia are generally safe and well-received. In one study, participants in a dementia education program felt more confident and better equipped to understand those with memory and thinking problems, indicating these programs can be offered without causing harm.
Additionally, lifestyle programs that include education have shown good results. Specifically, one study found that these programs improved thinking skills in older adults at risk of memory loss, without causing major side effects.
Overall, these findings suggest that educational programs led by healthcare professionals for dementia are safe for participants. There have been no major reports of negative effects in similar programs, indicating they are well-tolerated.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the clinician-facilitated educational intervention for dementia because it offers a personalized approach to care that current treatments do not typically provide. Unlike standard options, which often focus on medication or broad caregiving strategies, this intervention zeroes in on the individual preferences and social engagement of persons living with dementia or cognitive impairment. By actively involving both the patient and their care partner in identifying and addressing discrepancies in care preferences, this method aims to enhance the quality of life for those affected. This approach could pave the way for more tailored and effective dementia care practices.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia?
Research has shown that educational programs can help manage dementia symptoms. These programs improve the identification and handling of memory and thinking problems, which may alleviate issues like restlessness and sadness. In this trial, participants will receive a clinician-facilitated educational intervention designed to align with everyday living preferences. One study found that when caregivers learn more about dementia, the people they care for tend to fare better. This suggests that well-informed caregivers can positively affect the well-being of those with dementia. Additionally, when caregivers use specific activities to support thinking skills, it can enhance memory and focus. These findings suggest that structured educational programs, involving both people with dementia and their caregivers, can help reduce symptoms by better meeting their needs.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
James Wilkins, MD, DPhil
Principal Investigator
Mclean Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 55 or older with mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate dementia, who show signs of neuropsychiatric symptoms. They must have a MoCA score above 10 and an involved care partner (family, friend, caregiver) in regular contact at least three times a week.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants complete the PELI assessment to articulate preferences, and care partners complete proxy assessments. A clinician facilitates alignment of preferences.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms and alignment of preferences.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Clinician-facilitated educational intervention
- Enhanced usual care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mclean Hospital
Lead Sponsor