A program to help caregivers of Alzheimer's patients walk more regularly

A Behavior Change Technique (BCT) Intervention to Develop an Hourly Activity Habit Among Caregivers for Persons Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD)

Not applicable Interventional Northwell Health · NCT06801912

This study tests if sending personalized text messages can help caregivers of Alzheimer's patients walk more regularly to improve their physical activity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Hyde Park, New York)
Trial IDNCT06801912 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This 12-week intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized behavior change technique delivered via text messages to encourage caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias to engage in habitual hourly walking. The study focuses on increasing physical activity levels by promoting the development of automatic walking habits among caregivers. Participants will receive tailored messages designed to motivate them to walk more than 250 steps each hour, with the goal of achieving this habit in at least 50% of the caregivers involved.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are caregivers aged 18 to 85 who provide care for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias and report low levels of physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who are medically advised against physical activity or do not have access to necessary technology will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical activity levels of caregivers, enhancing their overall health and well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While similar behavior change interventions have shown promise in increasing physical activity, this specific approach targeting caregivers of Alzheimer's patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Identify as a caregiver (formal/paid or informal/unpaid) for persons with Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
* Age \>=18 and \<=85
* Speak English or Spanish as primary language
* Self-report low levels of physical activity or walking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who self-report having been informed by a clinician it is medically or physically unsafe to engage in a walking intervention
* Does not own or cannot regularly access a smartphone capable of receiving text messages or accessing the internet
* Does not own or have access to an email address
* Lives outside the United States

Where this trial is running

New Hyde Park, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sedentary BehaviorcaregiverAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer Related Dementiabehavior change techniqueshabit formationsedentary behavior
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.