Improving communication for older adults with dementia facing cancer decisions
Official title: Enhancing Triadic Communication About Cognition for Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias Facing a Cancer Management Decision
Run by University of Rochester · NCT06313853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help older adults with dementia and their caregivers communicate better when making decisions about cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06313853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 or older with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and a concurrent diagnosis of cancer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia or who are not facing cancer management decisions may not benefit from this study.
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 a communication intervention called COACH-Cog designed for older adults with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are making decisions about cancer management. The intervention aims to enhance the autonomy support of both patients and their care partners during the decision-making process. By conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial involving oncology clinicians and patient/care partner dyads, the study seeks to assess the impact of COACH-Cog on communication, care partner well-being, and goal-concordant care. The ultimate goal is to improve the acknowledgment of cognitive concerns and related goals in the context of cancer care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved decision-making and care outcomes for older adults with dementia facing cancer treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on communication interventions in complex medical decision-making have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
PATIENTS: Patient Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be age 65 or older 2. Have a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD \[Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or dementia of unknown subtype\]) 3. Have a clinical diagnosis of cancer (any type or stage) 4. Anticipate a potential decision about cancer-related management, as confirmed by the patient's primary medical oncology clinician. 5. Have a care partner willing and able to participate in the study 6. Are able to read and understand English. The communication coaching session will be delivered in English, thus necessitating this requirement. 7. Be able to provide informed consent (as measured by UBACC) or have a Legally Authorized Representative to provide informed consent Patient Exclusion Criteria: Patient exclusion criteria: None CARE PARTNER: Care partner inclusion criteria: 1. Age 18 or over 2. Able to read and understand spoken English 3. Able to provide informed consent Care partner exclusion criteria: None ONCOLOGY CLINICIAN: Oncology clinician inclusion criteria: 1. Oncology clinicians affiliated with the Wilmot Cancer Institute 2. Do not intend to move or retire within the next 2 years. Oncology clinician exclusion criteria: None
Where it's running
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University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allison Magnuson — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Allison Magnuson
- Email: allison_magnuson@urmc.rochester.edu
- Phone: 585-602-5085
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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.