Using technology to improve communication in dementia care
Integration of Health Information Technology and Promotion of Personhood in Family-Centered Dementia Care
This study is testing a new communication device to see if it helps people with dementia and their caregivers connect better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04571502 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance communication and personhood for individuals with dementia by developing a personalized Assistive and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. The device will be integrated into an existing health information technology intervention to facilitate better communication between caregivers and healthcare providers. A total of 58 caregiver and patient dyads will participate, with half receiving the full intervention and the other half serving as a control group over a six-month period. The study will assess various psychosocial outcomes, including the quality of life for both caregivers and patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include caregivers aged 21 or older who provide at least 2 hours of daily care to individuals aged 60 or older with a neurocognitive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication and quality of life for patients with dementia and their caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology to enhance communication in dementia care, suggesting a potential for success with this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Caregivers: * Regular access to the internet (via computer or smartphone) and telephone * 21 years-old or older * Providing caregiving activities (Activities of Daily Living and/or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) for an average of 2 hours or more per day of direct assistance or supervision for a person with ADRD * Speak and understand English or Spanish. Care Recipient: * 60 years or older * Speak and understand English or Spanish * Have an established diagnosis of a Neurocognitive Disorder (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia) * Receive a score on the Mini Mental Status Exam of less than 24 * Be able to complete the eligibility vision screen. Healthcare Providers: \* Provide ongoing healthcare and support services to PWD and their families. Exclusion Criteria Caregivers: * Provide care to a PWD living in an assisted living facility or nursing home * Plan for the PWD to be placed in a long-term care facility during the study period * Plan to end their role as caregiver within 6 months of study enrollment * Have their own major medical conditions affecting independent functioning (e.g. illness or disability) or cognitive impairment * Do not speak and read English or Spanish * Have known active suicidal ideation Care Recipients: * Significant visual or hearing impairment (with supports) * Known active suicidal ideation * Schizophrenia diagnosis
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations
- UAB Alzheimer's Risk Assessment and Intervention Clinic — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
- Miami Jewish Health — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ellen L Brown, EdD,RN,FAAN
- Email: ebrown@fiu.edu
- Phone: 305-348-1312
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.