Using a diary to track behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients

Use of a Diary to Assess and Monitor Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori · NCT05977855

This study is testing if using a diary to track symptoms can help caregivers and doctors better manage behavioral and psychological issues in people with dementia compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Chieti, Abruzzo and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05977855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a diary in monitoring behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) compared to standard care. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the diary or receive standard care, with the goal of assessing caregiver burden, neuropsychiatric inventory scores, and medication prescriptions over three months. The study will also explore caregiver and physician satisfaction with the diary approach. By documenting symptoms, the trial seeks to identify potential triggers and improve management strategies for dementia care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairment and their caregivers who are willing to participate in the study.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce caregiver burden and improve the management of dementia symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of diaries in managing chronic conditions is not novel, this specific application in dementia care is relatively untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of cognitive impairment (neurodegenerative or vascular)
* Caregiver and patient willing to participate in the study
* Caregiver living with the patient or able to cover all 24 hours
* Presence of BPSD pertaining to the hyperactivity-irritability-impulsivity-disinhibition cluster (HIDA)
* Signed informed consent before the beginning of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to consent to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Chieti, Abruzzo and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of DementiaRandomized Clinical TrialDiary
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.