VOCALE LBD: Online Support for Caregivers of Lewy Body Dementia
Official title: Reducing Depression in Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Lewy Body Dementia Through Tailored Asynchronous Online Intervention.
Run by University of Washington · NCT07637097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This online, text-based program tests whether a tailored 8-week caregiver group helps reduce depression in family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia compared with standard educational materials.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07637097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are unpaid family or informal caregivers of someone with Lewy Body Dementia who have depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5), are English-speaking, and have internet access (or can use a loaner device).
✕Probably not a fit
Caregivers without depressive symptoms, non-English speakers, paid/professional caregivers, or those unable to access an internet-connected device may derive less or no direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
VOCALE LBD is an 8-week, fully asynchronous online group intervention for unpaid family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia. Groups of 10–15 caregivers participate in moderated discussions using a text-based platform, with weekly topics focused on LBD-specific challenges and problem-solving skills. The program is delivered via Discourse and requires no video conferencing, with loaner devices and digital literacy support available. A prior pilot showed strong reductions in depressive symptoms, and this trial compares VOCALE LBD to standard educational materials to determine its effect on caregiver depression and well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could meaningfully reduce depressive symptoms among LBD caregivers and provide scalable, accessible support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot work in VOCALE LBD reported strong reductions in depressive symptoms, suggesting potential benefit, though this exact format is novel for LBD caregivers.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current family member or informal (unpaid) caregiver of a person with a confirmed diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) or LBD mixed pathology * Experiences depressive symptoms as defined by a score of 5 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) * Able to read, write, and speak English * Has access to a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) that can connect to the internet and be used for videoconferencing or phone calls, OR is interested in using a loaner device * Has an active email address OR is willing to create and use an email address prior to enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation as indicated by endorsement of PHQ-9 Item 9 (thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself) * Paid or professional caregiver (must be unpaid family/informal caregiver) * Unable to read, write, or speak English
Where it's running
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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, RN — University of Washington, School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Aimy Paulsen, MPH
- Email: vocale-lbd@uw.edu
- Phone: (253) 693-8329
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.