Comparing Structured Retrieval Practice and Reading-Based Education for Dementia Caregivers
Recruiting · NCT07413406 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: Virginia Wesleyan University
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
Caring for a person living with dementia can be stressful, and many family caregivers report limited access to effective educational resources for managing dementia-related behaviors and caregiver stress. This study will evaluate a learning-based educational intervention called structured retrieval practice (SRP), which is designed to improve long-term learning by encouraging repeated recall of information with feedback. Informal dementia caregivers will be randomly assigned to learn caregiving and self-care strategies using either SRP or a traditional reading-based educational approach. Participants will be assessed on their knowledge, confidence in caregiving skills, stress levels, and perceptions of dementia-related behavioral symptoms over multiple follow-up periods. The study will also examine whether the SRP intervention is feasible and acceptable for caregivers in real-world settings.
Who can take part
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 is running
1 location listed across 1 US state.
- Virginia Wesleyan University - Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States