Providing early support for people with mild dementia and their caregivers
Eerder Erbij: Een Vroege Ondersteuning Voor Mensen Met Dementie en Hun Mantelzorgers. The Path Towards Offering Timely Support for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers
This study is trying out a new program to help people with mild dementia and their caregivers get support early on, so they can improve their quality of life and possibly avoid needing more formal care later.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VU University of Amsterdam Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06455163 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to identify and support individuals with mild dementia and their informal caregivers before they require formal care. It addresses the barriers that prevent these individuals from seeking help, such as lack of diagnosis or complexity in the care system. By offering timely interventions, the study seeks to improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, potentially delaying the need for residential care. The intervention, named 'Eerder Erbij', focuses on community-based support tailored to the needs of early-stage dementia patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include informal caregivers of individuals with mild dementia who are not yet receiving formal care.
Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving formal care for their dementia-related needs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with mild dementia and their caregivers by providing timely support.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies focusing on early intervention in dementia care, this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Informal caregivers can be spouses, relatives, or friends who care for and support the person with dementia without pay. If the caregiver does not live with the person with dementia, they have to visit the person with dementia at least 3 times a week to be eligible for the study. * The person with dementia must be living at home cared for by the caregiver. * The person with dementia should have a diagnosis of dementia or experience severe cognitive impairments suggesting dementia. Type of dementia is not an inclusion criterion. * The person with dementia is not yet receiving formal care related to personal activities of daily living on account of his or her dementia more than once a week (defined by receiving assistance from a paid worker by e.g., health or social care professional as help with dressing/undressing; washing/bathing/showering; toileting; feeding/drinking; or taking medication). Exclusion Criteria: * Main exclusion criteria for both the caregiver and the person with dementia will be major mental or physical illness, such as major depression or stroke, that would affect their ability to participate in this study. * Person with dementia or informal caregiver is participating in another intervention or similar support program. * Dementia is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired brain impairment, Down syndrome, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, or alcohol abuse. * Inability to give informed consent will also be an exclusion criterion. * Informal caregiver is younger than 18 years old.
Where this trial is running
Amsterdam, North Holland
- Klinische Neuropsychologie — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sanne Balvert, Msc.
- Email: s.c.e.balvert@vu.nl
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.