Self-Care Training for Dementia Caregivers
(Care2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach to help caregivers of people with dementia care for themselves better. Caregivers use an app and wear an Apple Watch to receive feedback on their sleep and daily routines, along with weekly support calls from health coaches. The trial aims to reduce stress and feelings of being overwhelmed from caregiving. It suits caregivers who live with their care recipient, experience stress from caregiving, and are open to using new technology to improve their well-being. As an unphased trial, it offers caregivers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance their well-being and manage stress effectively.
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 seems focused on behavioral health and self-care, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.
What prior data suggests that this behavioral health intervention is safe for dementia caregivers?
Research has shown that methods like motivational interviewing and self-monitoring are generally easy for participants to manage. In similar studies, motivational interviewing helped older patients adhere to their medication schedules without major safety issues. Additionally, other apps for behavior monitoring have been used in health programs without significant problems.
These findings suggest that the methods in this trial are safe. They aim to help caregivers improve daily routines and reduce stress without risky procedures or medications. Since this trial focuses on behavior rather than drugs, it is expected to be less risky than drug trials. Participants can feel confident knowing that similar methods have been safely used in other studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to support dementia caregivers through behavioral self-monitoring and motivational interviewing. Unlike traditional support groups or therapy sessions, this approach uses the myRhythmWatch app to help caregivers track their sleep and activity over six weeks, providing personalized insights and feedback. This method empowers caregivers to make data-driven changes to their routines, potentially improving both their well-being and their ability to care for loved ones. By combining technology with motivational health coaching, this trial offers a proactive and accessible solution that could transform caregiver support.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing psychological distress and caregiver burden?
Research has shown that tracking personal behavior and using motivational interviewing can help caregivers manage stress and improve well-being. Motivational interviewing encourages positive changes, enhancing self-care. Although limited research exists specifically for dementia caregivers, early results suggest it might reduce their stress. In this trial, participants in the Caregiver Intervention arm will use digital tools like the myRhythmWatch app, which provides personalized feedback to help caregivers develop healthier habits. While more research is needed, these methods appear promising for supporting the mental health of those caring for people with dementia.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sarah T Stahl, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical and Translational Science
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for family caregivers over 50 who provide at least 8 hours of care per week to a relative with dementia and live in the same household. They should be struggling with self-care, particularly sleep, exercise, or social activities, and have mild psychological distress. Those planning to institutionalize their loved one within a year or living in nursing homes cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants use the myRhythmWatch app and receive motivational health coaching for self-care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and caregiver burden
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Behavioral Self-Monitoring + Motivational Interviewing
- Enhanced Usual Care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
Activity Rhythm Solutions Corporation
Collaborator
Oregon Health and Science University
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator