Exercise program for people with dementia and their caregivers
Official title: Effects of Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity Program on Health Outcomes and Social Dynamic of Persons With Dementia and Family Caregivers: A Mixed Method Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06584110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a new exercise program for people with mild to early-moderate dementia and their family caregivers to see if it can improve their health and strengthen their relationship.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 236 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | February 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06584110 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with mild to early-moderate dementia living with their primary family caregiver.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who engage in more than 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise per week or have acute health issues may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity (BUDPA) program, which is designed to improve the health outcomes and relationship dynamics of care dyads consisting of individuals with mild to early-moderate dementia and their family caregivers. The program involves partner exercises that promote collaboration and social interaction, addressing the unique challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. Over 16 weeks, the study will assess the impact of this intervention on both the physical health of participants and the quality of their caregiving relationship. The approach combines physical activity with a focus on enhancing emotional and social support within the caregiving dyad.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers by improving their physical health and relationship dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on dyadic exercise programs for dementia, similar interventions focusing on caregiver support and physical activity have shown promise in improving outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility for person with dementia (PwD) includes i) a confirmed diagnosis of dementia and ii) an HK-MoCA score of 8-19 to indicate mild to early moderate dementia. The caregivers will have to i) live with the participant with dementia ii) self-identify as the primary family caregiver iii) providing care for ≥ 4 hours/day iv) has a smartphone for FaceTime The exclusion criteria are i) engaging in ≥60 min/week of moderate or vigorous exercise in the past six months ii) having acute muscular-skeletal problems, cerebro-cardio-respiratory disease or condition contradictory to exercise training
Where it's running
-
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: SAU FUNG DORIS YU, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: SAU FUNG DORIS YU, PhD
- Email: dyu1@hku.hk
- Phone: 852-39176319
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Lived Experience Narratives in Dementia
This project tests a digital Online LEND Intervention that shares dementia patients’ and caregivers’ lived experiences to see if it helps wellbeing and connection.
-
CommunityRx-Dpeer: peer-led support to help dementia caregivers connect with community resources
This program tests a peer navigator model to help dementia caregivers access personalized community resources and ongoing support over 12 months.
-
CarePair: a smartphone app that matches dementia family caregivers to services
This six-week test tries to see if the CarePair mobile app helps family caregivers of people with dementia find needed services and feel less stressed.
-
Jing Si Herbal Tea for improving quality of life and sleep in people with dementia and their caregivers
This project will test whether taking Jing Si Herbal Tea twice daily can help improve quality of life and sleep for people with dementia and their family caregivers.
-
Evaluating a toolkit to help caregivers identify and communicate pain in dementia patients
This study is testing a new toolkit to help caregivers of people with dementia recognize and talk about pain to see if it makes a difference in their care.
-
Observational study of dementia in elderly Chinese patients
This study looks at older Chinese adults with dementia to see how lifestyle and stress affect their condition and to track their cognitive health over time.
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.