GAPcareAD: A Brief ED Check for Fall Risks in People with Dementia and Their Care Partners
Official title: GAPcareAD: A Brief Emergency Department Intervention to Address Post-Fall Care Needs of Persons Living With Dementia and Care Partners
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07563270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a short, ED-based program led by pharmacists and physical therapists to reduce fall-related problems for people with dementia and their caregivers after a fall.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07563270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Community-dwelling adults 65+ with known ADRD or AD8 score ≥2, who have fallen within the past week and have an identified caregiver, and are planned for discharge home.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who are admitted to the hospital, live in a nursing home, have advanced cancer/hospice, or have injuries preventing mobilization 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 multi-site randomized trial compares the GAPcareAD intervention with usual care in 350 dyads of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's or related dementias who have fallen and are discharged home. The intervention includes pharmacist- and physical therapist-guided assessments, targeted changes to fall risk factors, and coordinated communication of prevention plans to caregivers and care teams. Outcomes over 6 months include fall-related ED visits, injuries, hospitalizations, quality of life, caregiver burden, and adherence to recommendations. The goal is to see if an ED-based, pragmatic approach can lower healthcare utilization and improve patient and caregiver outcomes, informing future broader implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience fewer falls and related healthcare visits, along with improved quality of life and reduced caregiver burden.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in similar ED-based fall-prevention approaches have shown potential benefits, but GAPcareAD applies a dementia-focused, caregiver-inclusive model that is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Community-dwelling adult (living at home or assisted living) 65 years-old or older presenting to ED after a fall within the last seven days * Fall not due to syncope or external force (i.e., struck by car,assault, intoxication) * Fall not due to serious illness (i.e., stroke, acute myocardial infarction) * Patients have an identified caregiver * Patient must have known ADRD or score ≥2 on the AD8 Dementia Interview. * Anticipated to be discharged to home/assisted living/rehabilitation at the time of consent (i.e. not admitted) * The patient and/or caregiver have a reliable phone number where they can be reached throughout the intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Living in a nursing home * Patients are admitted to the hospital * Patients who have advanced cancer and/or are in hospice * Patients have presence of injuries that prevent mobilization (i.e. pelvic or lower extremity fractures)
Where it's running
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UCH University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Washington University
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
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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.