Smartphone training for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project aims to improve the emotional well-being of unpaid primary caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias through a smartphone-based cognitive emotion regulation intervention. The intervention focuses on teaching caregivers techniques such as psychological distancing and reinterpretation to help them manage stress and depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive training in one of these techniques or to a control group. The study will also explore the potential benefits of this intervention on the quality of life of the care recipients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy Adult Caregivers

* Unpaid primary caregiver of patient with Alzheimer's Disease/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
* At least 18 years of age, with no maximum age, provided that all other inclusion/exclusion criteria are met
* Must be able to speak, read, and write in English
* Must be free of any current or past DSM diagnosis (i.e. healthy adults), with the exception of current or past mood or anxiety disorders or past substance-related disorders (i.e., current or past mood or anxiety disorders and/or past substance-related disorders would not represent an exclusion factor)
* Must have a smartphone. This represents any major iOS or Android-based smartphone. The smartphone will also be used for collection of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data via SurveySignal.
* Must provide significant level of caregiving to their care recipient
* Must be at least minimally-stressed

Cognitively Impaired Adults

* Must have diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
* Must be the care recipient of the primary caregiver who is completing the study
* Must be able to understand and willing to complete a questionnaire and the consent form
* Must have minimum level of dementia symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

Healthy Adult Caregivers

* Current or past psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychotic and personality disorders) with the exception of current or past mood or anxiety disorders or past substance-related disorders (i.e., current or past mood or anxiety disorders and/or past substance-related disorders would not represent an exclusion factor)
* Currently receiving psychotherapy that specifically addresses caregiver burden/distress or employs cognitive reappraisal as a major component
* Significant visual, auditory, or cognitive impairment that compromises their ability to understand and complete the task
* Caregiver participants who cease meeting inclusion criteria during the study will be dismissed from the study and compensated pro-rata.
* Has formerly participated in a study from our lab involving the same or essentially same design (e.g., former participants who provided pilot/preliminary data for this study)

Cognitively Impaired Adults

* The care recipient does not wish to participate, and/or their caregiver does not want them to participate
* Significant visual, auditory, or cognitive impairment that compromises their ability to understand and complete questionnaires, even with their caregiver's help will exclude them from the study
* Has formerly participated in a study from our lab involving the same or essentially same design (e.g., former participants who provided pilot/preliminary data for this study)

Where it's running

• Rice University
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Bryan Denny, Ph.D. — William Marsh Rice University
• Study coordinator: Bryan Denny, Ph.D.
• Email: btd3@rice.edu
• Phone: 713-348-8257

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.