Caregiver Support Technology for Dementia

Overseen By Shayna Amos

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: No dementia diagnosis, Consent inability, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

355 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 Algorithm, Random Match for dementia?

The research on computerized decision support systems, like the one used in the Texas Medication Algorithm Project, shows that these systems can improve adherence to treatment guidelines and patient outcomes in mental health care. This suggests that similar technology-supported approaches could be beneficial in managing dementia care by enhancing treatment consistency and decision-making. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Caregiver Support Technology for Dementia safe for humans?

The research on caregiver support technologies, such as FamTechCare and Tele-Savvy, focuses on improving caregiver well-being and managing dementia care challenges. While these studies do not directly address safety, they do not report any harmful effects, suggesting that these technologies are generally safe for human use. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the Caregiver Support Technology for Dementia treatment differ from other treatments for dementia?

The Caregiver Support Technology for Dementia treatment is unique because it utilizes smart technologies and assistive tools like remote activity monitoring systems and visual mapping software to support caregivers and enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. Unlike traditional treatments, this approach focuses on reducing caregiver burden and improving daily living activities through technology, offering a novel way to manage dementia care at home. ^{8 11 12 13 14}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research is being done to develop a unique matching process for caregivers of persons living with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal degeneration, or other dementia syndromes. Dementia caregivers often assume greater caregiving burden than do non-dementia caregivers, and the caregiving duration tends to be longer. Many caregivers do not have the adequate support they need. Peer-to-peer support has been shown to improve quality of life, more engagement with services, improve caregiver health, and reduce hospitalizations in the person they are caring for. This study will help determine whether caregivers of persons with dementia would find a technology-based caregiver matching program valuable for the purpose of emotional support.

Research Team

Julie Fields, PhD, LP

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for caregivers who have been supporting a loved one with dementia, such as Alzheimer's or Lewy body disease, for at least 3 months. Participants must be English-speaking, able to use the internet and a computer, and willing to engage in the study activities and follow-ups over a period of 15 months.

Inclusion Criteria

A family member of mine has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or Alzheimer's.

I regularly help someone with dementia with their daily activities and emotional support.

All participants must agree to follow-up contact throughout the duration of the study, which is anticipated to last 3 years.

Exclusion Criteria

Caregiver's loved one does not have a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.

Caregiver is unable to provide consent.

Caregiver was or has been in that role for less than 3 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Matching Process

Caregivers are matched with other caregivers either algorithmically based on preferences or randomly

4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in peer-to-peer support through the matched caregiver connections

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction, resilience, quality of life, and social support

12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Algorithm
• Random Match

Trial Overview The study aims to develop a technology-based program that matches dementia caregivers for emotional support. It will test if this peer-to-peer support system can improve quality of life and reduce stress by facilitating connections through an algorithm.

Participant Groups

Group I: Algorithmically Matched Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals that identify as a current and/or former caregiver for a person with dementia will be matched to other caregivers using an algorithm that matches a caregiver to another caregiver based on specific preferences each caregiver identifies in a questionnaire.

Group II: Randomly Matched Active Control 1 Intervention

Individuals that identify as a current and/or former caregiver for a person with dementia will be randomly matched to other caregivers not based on the preferences they identified in a questionnaire.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Minnesota HealthSolutions

Industry Sponsor

Trials

16

Recruited

1,800+

Findings from Research

The study aims to improve support for family caregivers of dementia patients by embedding an evidence-based program called ADS Plus into existing adult day services, providing education and problem-solving support over 12 months.

This pragmatic trial will evaluate the effectiveness of ADS Plus on caregiver wellbeing and other outcomes, using a cluster randomized design across 30 to 50 diverse sites, addressing the need for accessible caregiver interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Embedding caregiver support in community-based services for older adults: A multi-site randomized trial to test the Adult Day Service Plus Program (ADS Plus). Gitlin, LN., Marx, K., Scerpella, D., et al.[2023]

I-CARE is a user-friendly tablet application designed to help caregivers activate and engage individuals with dementia, requiring no special training, which enhances the quality of care provided.

The system personalizes activation content based on user feedback and past interactions, allowing caregivers to track progress and connect with professionals for real-time support, ultimately fostering community involvement in dementia care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

I-CARE-An Interaction System for the Individual Activation of People with Dementia. Schultz, T., Putze, F., Steinert, L., et al.[2021]

References

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

Texas Medication Algorithm Project, phase 3 (TMAP-3): rationale and study design. [2019]

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

Promoting collaborative psychiatric care decision-making in community mental health centers: Insights from a patient-centered comparative effectiveness trial. [2022]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of an electronic reminder system on guideline-concordant treatment of psychotic disorders : Results from a pilot feasibility trial. [2018]

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

A computerized clinical decision support system as a means of implementing depression guidelines. [2022]

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

Reduction of concurrent antipsychotic prescribing practices through the use of PSYCKES. [2015]

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

Embedding caregiver support in community-based services for older adults: A multi-site randomized trial to test the Adult Day Service Plus Program (ADS Plus). [2023]

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

A randomized trial using telehealth technology to link caregivers with dementia care experts for in-home caregiving support: FamTechCare protocol. [2023]

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

Dementia Caregivers' Experiences and Reactions to Remote Activity Monitoring System Alerts. [2022]

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

Effects of a Video-based Intervention on Caregiver Confidence for Managing Dementia Care Challenges: Findings from the FamTechCare Clinical Trial. [2021]

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

Testing Tele-Savvy: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2019]

11. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Feasibility Study of Individuals Living at Home with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Utilization of Visual Mapping Assistive Technology to Enhance Quality of Life and Reduce Caregiver Burden. [2023]

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

A computer-mediated intervention for Alzheimer's caregivers. [2007]

13. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emerging roles for telemedicine and smart technologies in dementia care. [2020]

14. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

I-CARE-An Interaction System for the Individual Activation of People with Dementia. [2021]