ACT for people with MNCD and their care partners (dyadic therapy)
Official title: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals With MNCD and Their Care Partners: An In-Person and Telehealth Individual Therapy Approach
Run by Texas Tech University · NCT07239609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a dyadic Acceptance Commitment Therapy approach to help adults with mild neurocognitive disorder or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Texas Tech University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lubbock, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07239609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older with MNCD or MCI and a English-speaking care partner who can participate together, with MMSE scores in specified ranges (person with MNCD/MCI: 21-27; care partner: 28-30).
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with MMSE outside the eligible range or those not in a relationship with an eligible care partner may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase 1 trial investigates a modified Acceptance Commitment Therapy delivered to both a person with MNCD/MCI and a family or friend caregiver. It aims to assess feasibility, acceptability, and initial signals of benefit for mood, anxiety, and daily functioning within the dyad. Participants include adults with MNCD or MCI and their English-speaking care partners, enrolled at a Texas site. The study will evaluate how well the intervention can be implemented in a real-world setting and whether it shows preliminary improvements compared with baseline. Outcomes will inform future development of non-pharmacological, dyadic interventions for AD/ADRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced anxiety and depression symptoms and improved coping within the caregiver dyad.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests dyadic, non-pharmacologic approaches can benefit mood and functioning in dementia contexts, but this specific ACT-based dyadic approach is exploratory in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Inclusion (person with MCI or MNCD): * 18+ * MMSE= 21-27 * Able to communicate in English Inclusion (care partner): * 18+ * Identifies as a care partner of a person with MNCD * Able to communicate in English * MMSE= 28-30 * Is a family member or friend of the person with MNCD Exclusion Criteria Exclusion (person with MCI or MNCD): * Currently in an intervention for reducing anxiety or depression related to their dementia * MMSE= 28+ or less than 21 Exclusion (care partner): * MMSE= \<28 * Is a formal (paid) caregiver
Where it's running
-
Texas Tech University Plaza Building
Lubbock, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Singer, Ph.D.
- Email: jonsinge@ttu.edu
- Phone: 17757228066
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.