Comparing two group wellness programs for people with brain injuries and their caregivers

Comparison of Two Group Wellness Interventions for Individuals With Neurologic Conditions and Their Support Persons: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Kessler Foundation · NCT05048966

This study is testing two different online wellness programs to see if they can help people with brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease, along with their caregivers, feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment360 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKessler Foundation Academic / other
Locations1 site (East Hanover, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT05048966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the effectiveness of two different online group wellness interventions aimed at improving self-efficacy and quality of life for individuals with chronic mild to severe traumatic brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease, along with their support persons. The study will take place across three sites, with each site focusing on a specific patient population. The Kessler Foundation will coordinate the study, while the University of Michigan and Franciscan Health will enroll participants with chronic mild TBI and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. The study aims to assess treatment outcomes and the impact of neurobehavioral functioning on caregiver burden, as well as identify biomarkers that predict treatment efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-64 with chronic mild to severe TBI or Alzheimer's disease, who have a support person willing to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with prior strokes, other neurological diseases, or significant psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the long-term wellness and quality of life for individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While similar wellness interventions have been explored, this specific comparison of group treatments for brain injury and dementia is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For individuals with moderate/severe TBI:

Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18-64
* at least one year post injury
* can read and speak English fluently
* has a support person who is willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* has had a prior stroke or neurological disease other than TBI
* has unstable or uncontrolled seizures
* has been hospitalized due to a significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) in the past three months
* current alcohol and/or drug use that interferes with ability to carry out common everyday functions

For individuals with chronic mild TBI:

Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18-64
* at least 3 months post-injury
* can read and speak English fluently
* has a support person who is willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* has had a prior stroke or neurological disease other than mild TBI
* has unstable or uncontrolled seizures
* has been hospitalized due to a significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) in the past three months
* current alcohol and/or drug use that interferes with ability to carry out common everyday functions

For Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD)

Inclusion Criteria:

* age 65 and older
* at least one-year post-diagnosis
* can read and speak English fluently
* has a support person who is willing to participate in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

* has had a prior stroke or neurological disease other than ADRD
* has unstable or uncontrolled seizures
* has been hospitalized due to a significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) in the past three months
* current alcohol and/or drug use that interferes with ability to carry out common everyday functions

For Support Persons:

Inclusion Criteria:

* is the support person of an individual with moderate/severe TBI, chronic mild TBI or ADRD who is willing to participate in the study
* can read and speak English fluently

Exclusion Criteria:

* has a significant neurological history (e.g. stroke or multiple sclerosis)
* has unstable or uncontrolled seizures
* has been hospitalized due to a significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) in the past three months
* current alcohol and/or drug use that interferes with ability to carry out common everyday functions

Where this trial is running

East Hanover, New Jersey

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 Traumatic Brain InjuryMild Traumatic Brain InjuryAlzheimer's DiseaseBrain Injury Traumatic ModerateBrain Injury Traumatic SevereDementiaCaregiversModerate Traumatic Brain Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.