Volunteering in Place Program for apathetic residents with dementia in assisted living
Official title: The Volunteering-in-Place Program for Apathetic Assisted Living Residents With ADRD
Run by University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT06735950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether volunteering in the community or a guided current events group can reduce apathy in adults with mild-to-moderate dementia living in assisted living facilities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Catonsville, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06735950 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Residents aged 55+ in participating Maryland assisted living communities with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment and apathy.
✕Probably not a fit
Residents without apathy or with more advanced dementia or severe comorbidities may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cluster-randomized trial compares two活動s added to standard care in Maryland assisted living communities: volunteering inside the facility or a guided current events group, each about 30 minutes, three days per week, for six months. Participants are 55 or older with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment and apathy, determined by NPI and SLUMS criteria. Communities are randomized to VIP or a time-equivalent control, with data collection at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to assess changes in apathy and sedentary activity. The study aims to determine preliminary efficacy and sustainability of the VIP interventions in reducing apathy among residents with ADRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, residents may experience less apathy and more engagement in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests structured social activities can impact apathy, but this VIP approach is relatively novel in the assisted living setting with cluster randomization.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 55 years or older; * English speaking; * live in the included AL community * have mild to moderate cognitive impairment based on a SLUMS score of 26 or below and the ability to follow a one-step command. * have apathy based on a "yes" answer to at least 2 questions on the apathy subscale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) completed by a family or staff member who has had close contact with the resident in the past month; * have an anticipated length of stay of 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: \- refusal to assent
Where it's running
-
Charlestown Senior Living
Catonsville, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Charles E Smith Life Communities
Rockville, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, MPH, RN — University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, MPH, RN
- Email: klinedinst@umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-706-3181
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This project will test whether two different home-based robotic programs can help people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who have apathy become more motivated and engaged compared with standard occupational therapy.
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This study is testing whether a brain stimulation treatment can help reduce feelings of apathy in people with Alzheimer's disease, including those who are taking a medication for it.
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This study will test whether the medication IRL757 is safe, easy to tolerate, and helps reduce apathy in people aged 50–90 with Parkinson's disease.
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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.