Helping caregivers of people with dementia manage depression
Supporting Family Caregivers of People With Dementia and Identifying an Effective Adaptive Intervention to Reduce Their Depressive Symptoms: a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial
This study is testing a new program using smartphone tools to help family caregivers of people with dementia manage their depression and feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05634317 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to support family caregivers of individuals with dementia by implementing a two-stage adaptive intervention that includes smartphone-delivered behavioral activation and mindfulness practices. A total of 272 caregivers experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms will be recruited and assessed at multiple time points to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The study utilizes a sequential multiple randomized trial (SMART) design to adapt interventions based on individual responses, thereby optimizing care for caregivers. The findings will contribute to community capacity-building efforts and improve mental health outcomes for caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are family caregivers aged 18 or older who provide care for individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia and exhibit mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who have participated in structured mind-body interventions or have acute psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce depressive symptoms in caregivers, enhancing their overall well-being and ability to provide care.
How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have shown promise in using adaptive interventions for mental health support, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 18 or above 2. FC of an individual with a confirmed medical diagnosis of any type of dementia who has been residing in the community; 3. having been providing care for at least 3 months prior to recruitment 4. the presence of mild-to- moderate depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score 5 to 14). Exclusion Criteria: 1. having participated in any structured mind-body intervention, cognitive therapy, or structured psychosocial intervention 6 months prior to recruitment 2. having acute psychiatric and medical comorbidities that are potentially life- threatening or would limit the caregivers' participation or adherence (e.g., suicidal ideation, acute psychosis).
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univeristy — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrick Kor
- Email: patrick.kor@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 2766 5622
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.