Comparing Structured Retrieval Practice and Reading-Based Education for Dementia Caregivers
About this study
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.
- Condition
- Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Caregiver Stress
- Tested
- Structured Retrieval Practice, Reading-Based Education
- Sponsor
- Virginia Wesleyan University
Who can join
- Age
- 50 years and older
- Sex
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
Inclusion 10
- Minimum age: 50 years
- Study condition: Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Caregiver Stress
- 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 6
- 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
1 site, 1 recruiting
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Contact
-
Robert Ariel, PhD
757-455-3368 confidentcarestudy@gmail.com
-
Uma Tauber, Ph.D
Potential match only. Final eligibility is determined by the study team.