Longitudinal study of couples experiencing Alzheimer's disease
A Multi-Center Observational Study of Couples Across the Trajectory of Dementia
This study looks at how couples, where one partner has Alzheimer's disease, experience their relationship and health over three years to better understand their challenges and support needs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bedford, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04863495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study involves couples where both partners are over 65 years old and willing to participate in regular assessments over three years. Participants will provide demographic information, mental health history, and self-reported measures of physical and emotional health. The study aims to explore the lived experiences of couples dealing with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, focusing on caregiver dynamics and relationship factors. Follow-up assessments will occur every six months to track changes and gather data on their experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling couples aged 65 and older, both willing to participate and cohabitating.
Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the emotional and relational impacts of Alzheimer's disease on couples, potentially informing better support strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored caregiver experiences, this specific longitudinal approach focusing on couples is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Longitudinal Portion Inclusion Criteria: 1. Community dwelling older adult aged 65 years or older 2. Must speak English as the study measures are not validated in other languages. 3. Must express intent to commit to ongoing participation in longitudinal study with assessments every 6 months for 3 years, 4. Is part of a couple and their spouse/partner is also willing to participate in the project. All couples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender preference are eligible to participate 5. Both members of the couple must cohabitate at the time of enrollment. 6. Must have stable internet connection and capability to stream video with audio. 7. A subset of the longitudinal study participants (selected at random) will be invited to be participate in a focus group upon completion of the last (3 year) quantitative assessment. These participants must be willing to have their comments recorded. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any individual with a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder. 2. Individual is unable to complete the informed consent process 3. Any individual with a prior diagnosis of a chronic disabling medical condition that would make it impossible to participate in a focus group via Zoom or WebEx.
Where this trial is running
Bedford, Massachusetts and 1 other locations
- Boston University — Bedford, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- NYU Langone Health — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mary Mittelman, DrPH — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Rebecca Salant
- Email: Rebecca.salant@nyulangone.org
- Phone: 646-754-2249
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.