Comparing Structured Retrieval Practice and Reading-Based Education for Dementia Caregivers
Eligible age
50+ yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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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.
Sponsor: Virginia Wesleyan University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 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
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 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's recruiting
Virginia Beach
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07413406 · last updated 2026-02-17