Cognitive empathy training for dementia caregivers
Official title: Effect of Cognitive Empathy Training on Dementia Caregivers
Run by Emory University · NCT06650527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether teaching caregivers of people with dementia to better understand emotions can improve their mental health and reduce inflammation in their bodies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 118 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06650527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are caregivers living with their care recipient who have a high burden of care as indicated by a Zarit Burden Scale score of 19 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who may not benefit include those with significant psychiatric illnesses, neurological disorders, or contraindications for MRI.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project investigates the impact of cognitive empathy training on the mental health, inflammation, and immune function of caregivers for individuals living with dementia. The primary aim is to determine the effectiveness of this training in enhancing caregiver well-being and reducing inflammation. Additionally, the study will explore the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that underlie these improvements. Caregivers will undergo pre and post-intervention assessments, including blood spot collection and MRI sessions, to evaluate changes resulting from the training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve the mental health and immune function of caregivers, leading to better care for individuals with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions aimed at supporting caregivers have shown benefits, particularly in enhancing coping skills, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Caregivers must live with their care recipient * Caregivers must have a Zarit Burden Scale score of 19 or higher * Caregivers must have no plans to move their care recipient to an institutional setting within the next year * Caregivers must be able to read and write English * Care recipient not in hospice * Access to a mobile phone that can take and email photographs Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with a history of seizures or other neurological disorders, alcoholism, or any other substance abuse * Subjects with a history of psychiatric illness (excluding depression and anxiety disorders) will also be excluded * Subjects with a history of head trauma based on Survey * Subjects with MRI contra-indications
Where it's running
-
Alter
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Emory Integrated Memory Care
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
NIA Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James Rilling, PhD — Emory College of Arts & Sciences
- Study coordinator: James Rilling, PhD
- Email: jrillin@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-727-3062
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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.