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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help caregivers of people with dementia, such as Alzheimer's or Lewy body dementia, find emotional support through a technology-based matching program. It compares two matching methods: one uses an algorithm that considers personal preferences, and the other involves random matching. The trial seeks caregivers who have assisted a family member with dementia for at least three months, providing emotional support and help with daily activities at least three days a week. Participants need computer access and must be comfortable using the internet. The goal is to determine if these connections can improve caregivers' quality of life and reduce stress. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers a unique opportunity to explore innovative support methods that could enhance their well-being.

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 prior data suggests that this technology-based matching program is safe for caregivers?

Research has shown that using technology to match caregivers with support does not pose significant safety risks. Studies on similar tech-based programs have not identified any major safety issues. These programs aim to improve support for caregivers by matching them based on their preferences, enhancing their overall well-being.

Past evaluations of digital care management programs demonstrated positive results, such as improved caregiver health and fewer hospital visits for those they care for. This suggests that the technology is generally safe and beneficial.

No reports of problems related to the matching process itself exist. Therefore, caregivers considering joining a trial with this technology can feel confident about its safety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to support caregivers of people with dementia. Unlike traditional support methods, which often involve general support groups or professional counseling, this trial uses technology to match caregivers. The "Algorithmically Matched" arm employs a smart algorithm to pair caregivers based on shared preferences and experiences, potentially leading to more meaningful connections and tailored support. On the other hand, the "Randomly Matched" arm provides a different approach by pairing caregivers without specific preferences, which could help researchers understand the impact of personalized matching versus random pairing. This trial aims to uncover new insights into how technology can enhance the caregiving experience, making it a fresh and promising area of research.

What evidence suggests that this trial's matching methods could be effective for dementia caregivers?

Research has shown that support from others in similar situations can greatly improve the lives of caregivers for people with dementia. This trial will compare two methods of matching caregivers: one group will be matched algorithmically based on specific preferences identified in a questionnaire, while another group will be randomly matched without considering these preferences. One study found that a program to help caregivers was both affordable and helpful when used in regular healthcare settings. Caregivers in that study reported better health and increased involvement with available services. Another study highlighted the importance of ongoing social support, especially after a dementia diagnosis. These findings suggest that a technology-based program could provide valuable emotional support by connecting caregivers with others who have similar experiences. ^{2 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Julie Fields, PhD, LP

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12152642/

Programmatic research outcomes used to establish ... The five outcomes categorized into Caregiver Support include: (1) the quantity of family/friend support; (2) the quality of family/friend ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820840

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Collaborative ... The findings suggest that CDCM is associated with improved patient, caregiver, and health system–relevant outcomes over 36 months.

3. valueinhealthjournal.com valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(25)00038-5/fulltext

Cost-Effectiveness of a Digitally Supported Care ... This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a digitally supported care management program for caregivers of PwD implemented in GP practices ...

4. bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-025-04264-y

Discontinuity of social support among US adults with cognitive ... This study uniquely examines the effect of receiving a formal dementia diagnosis on the continuity of social support, an understudied transition ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-parkinson-disease-1-2023-4c082

Caregiver Support Technology for Dementia This study will help determine whether caregivers of persons with dementia would find a technology-based caregiver matching program valuable for the purpose of ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12536216/

AI-enabled multimodal monitoring for enhanced safety and ... Key outcomes were safety events (falls, hospitalisations), functional independence, and cost-effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews were ...