Cereset for Dementia Caregiver Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a treatment called Cereset can reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia in caregivers of individuals with dementia. Cereset uses sound tones to improve heart rate variability, a measure linked to heart health and stress management. The trial includes two groups: one receiving the actual Cereset treatment and another receiving a sham or placebo version. It suits caregivers who spend at least 10 hours a week caring for someone and struggle with stress, anxiety, or sleep issues. Participants must be comfortable sitting for sessions and willing to attend weekly treatments. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers an opportunity to explore a novel approach to managing stress and improving well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants taking medications that affect heart rate variability, such as beta blockers, opiates, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sleep medications, stimulants, or thyroid hormones.
What prior data suggests that Cereset is safe for improving heart rate variability in dementia caregivers?
Research has shown that Cereset, a therapy using sound, was tested for safety in earlier studies. Participants generally handled it well, with no serious side effects reported. This treatment uses sound to balance brain activity and evolved from an earlier method called HIRREM, which also aimed to reduce stress with sound. As a non-invasive method, it avoids medications or surgery, reducing the risk of negative reactions. Although this specific trial remains in its early stages, the safety record of similar treatments suggests that participants are unlikely to experience severe negative effects.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Cereset for dementia caregiver stress because it offers a non-invasive, technology-based approach to managing stress. Unlike traditional methods like medication or therapy, Cereset uses audio tones to help reset brain rhythms, potentially reducing stress without side effects. This innovative mechanism targets the brain's natural frequencies, aiming to restore balance and improve overall well-being.
What evidence suggests that Cereset is effective for improving heart rate variability in dementia caregivers?
Research has shown that Cereset, a therapy using sound, might help reduce stress and anxiety in people caring for those with dementia. In this trial, some participants will receive the active Cereset intervention, while others will be in a control group receiving sham control tones. Users of Cereset have reported better sleep and overall well-being. This therapy targets brain signals related to stress and how the body automatically manages functions like heart rate. Although specific results for dementia caregivers are still under study, early findings suggest that Cereset can improve heart rate variability, an indicator of stress and heart health. These improvements might help reduce the stress experienced by caregivers.13456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Charles Tegeler, MD
Principal Investigator
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This study is for caregivers providing at least 10 hours of care weekly to someone with dementia and experiencing stress, anxiety, or insomnia. They must be able to sit for up to 90 minutes, attend three sessions a week over four weeks, and not have plans to travel during the study. Those using certain medications or with conditions like seizure disorders or severe hearing impairment cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants undergo 6 Cereset (CR) sessions to evaluate the effect on autonomic cardiovascular regulation and self-reported symptoms
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate variability, blood pressure, and self-reported symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cereset Research
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
Memory Counseling Program general fund
Collaborator
Heidi Munger-Clary, MD
Collaborator
Hossam Shaltout, PhD
Collaborator
Sean Simpson, PhD
Collaborator
Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD
Collaborator
Mia Yang, MD
Collaborator