Structured retrieval practice versus reading-based education for family dementia caregivers

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 randomized controlled trial assigns informal dementia caregivers to either a structured retrieval practice (SRP) educational program or a traditional reading-based education program. Both groups receive the same content on managing dementia-related behaviors, coping strategies, and caregiver self-care, but SRP requires repeated recall with corrective feedback to promote long-term retention. Outcomes include knowledge retention, caregiving self-efficacy, perceived stress, and caregiver-reported severity of dementia-related behavioral symptoms measured at baseline, 2 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months. The trial also measures feasibility, acceptability, and adherence using self-report measures and backend program usage data.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 50 years or older
* Informal (unpaid) caregiver for a family member or friend living with dementia
* Providing ongoing assistance or support to the individual with dementia
* Reports moderate to high perceived stress, defined as a score of 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
* Able to speak and read English
* Able to complete study procedures either in person or remotely
* Has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
* Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Paid or professional caregivers (e.g., home health aides)
* Caregivers younger than 50 years of age
* Caregivers reporting low perceived stress (PSS-10 score below 14)
* Caregivers providing assistance to an individual without evidence of cognitive - impairment, as determined by a dementia screening interview (AD8 score \< 2)
* Inability to complete study procedures due to cognitive, sensory, or technological limitations
* Failure to meet study screening requirements or provide informed consent

Where it's running

• Virginia Wesleyan University
  Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Robert Ariel, PhD
• Email: confidentcarestudy@gmail.com
• Phone: 757-455-3368

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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.