Caregiver-assisted pain management for older adults with dementia

Caregiver-assisted Pain Coping Skills Training for Dementia Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT06854718

This study is testing a program that trains caregivers to help older adults with mild to moderate dementia manage their chronic pain better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06854718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills training program specifically for older adults suffering from mild to moderate dementia who experience chronic pain. The program will involve training caregivers to help patients learn and apply pain coping skills, thereby enhancing the patients' ability to manage their pain effectively. By involving caregivers, the study seeks to improve their understanding of pain assessment and management strategies, which is crucial as dementia progresses. The study will recruit 30 patient-caregiver dyads, focusing on optimizing treatment outcomes through caregiver involvement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include older adults aged 50 and above with mild to moderate dementia who experience chronic pain that interferes with their daily functioning.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or have severe behavioral problems may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for older adults with dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in caregiver-assisted interventions for managing pain in dementia patients, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

* Mild or moderate dementia
* Pain on most days for at least 3 months that interferes with function
* Living at home (non-institutional)
* Age ≥ 50
* English Speaking

Caregivers:

* Provides on average at least 4 hours/day of care/assistance to the patient
* Age ≥ 18
* English Speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient and caregivers

* Lacking capacity for interview or unable to provide informed consent/assent.
* Visual or hearing impairments or severe behavioral problems that preclude participation.
* Too sick to participate.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 PainDementia, MildDementia, Moderate
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.