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BackgroundAlzheimer's disease affects 55 million people worldwide. As the disease progresses, these individuals require a devoted caregiver, often a family member, who provides evolving complex care. Caregivers can experience a variety of ongoing stressors, resulting in reductions in caregiver emotional well-being (and other quality-of-life indicators). Information and communication technologies provide an excellent opportunity to train caregivers remotely and help them to manage these stressors and related distress. ObjectiveThis protocol describes the theoretical rationale, study design, and methods of a new, technologically enhanced psychoeducational skill-building intervention for caregivers of people with dementia that includes a virtual reality component. MethodsThrough Alzheimer’s Eyes is a 4-week, single-arm, pre-post test pilot study consisting of 4 sessions of 90 minutes each that are delivered by videoconferencing. These sessions include a weekly virtual reality experience characterizing the journey of an older Latina with Alzheimer's disease from her perspective to help caregivers see through the eyes of a person with dementia. The 4 sessions cover the skill-training topics of communication, managing challenging behaviors and unhelpful thoughts, the importance of self-care, and mindfulness—all of which are key components designed to reduce stress and distress in family caregivers. Individual interviews conducted before and after the intervention gather participant insights into the intervention, evaluate its feasibility and acceptability, and assess its impact on key outcomes. ResultsData collection for the study started in January 2022, and the results are expected to be submitted for publication in the second half of 2023. Twenty caregivers from the United States have completed the workshop to date. Preliminary data gathered from these participants support the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability. ConclusionsThrough Alzheimer’s Eyes leverages existing technology combined with psychoeducational skill building to help caregivers manage their stress, regardless of their location. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/42655
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Smarthealth technology study protocol to improve relationships between older adults with dementia and family caregivers
Abstract AimThe aim of this study is to develop a Smarthealth system of monitoring, modelling, and interactive recommendation solutions (for caregivers) for in‐home dementia patient care that focuses on caregiver–patient relationships. DesignThis descriptive study employs a single‐group, non‐randomized trial to examine functionality, effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the novel Smarthealth system. MethodsThirty persons with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia and their family caregivers (N = 30 dyads) will receive and install Smarthealth technology in their home. There will be a 1‐month observation phase for collecting baseline mood states and a 2‐month implementation phase when caregivers will receive stress management techniques for each detected, negative mood state. Caregivers will report technique implementation and usefulness, sent via Ecological Momentary Assessment system to the study‐provided smartphone. Caregivers will provide daily, self‐reported mood and health ratings. Instruments measuring caregiver assessment of disruptive behaviours and their effect on caregivers; caregiver depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress; caregiver strain; and family functioning will be completed at baseline and 3 months. The study received funding in 2018 and ethics board approval in 2019. DiscussionThis study will develop and test novel in‐home technology to improve family caregiving relationships. Results from this study will help develop and improve the Smarthealth recommendation system and determine its usefulness, feasibility, and acceptability for persons with dementia and their family caregiver. ImpactThe Smarthealth technology discussed will provide in‐home stress reduction resources at a time when older adults may be experiencing increasingly high rates of isolation and anxiety and caregiver dyads may be experiencing high levels of relationship strain. Trial RegistrationThis study was registered with Clinical Trials.gov (Identifier NCT04536701).
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- Award ID(s):
- 1838589
- PAR ID:
- 10451995
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Advanced Nursing
- Volume:
- 77
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 0309-2402
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 2519-2529
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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