Dementia Family Caregiver Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE · May 15, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Dementia Family Caregiver Study is looking to help family members who care for loved ones with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. This study will last for three months and involves home visits from community health workers who will guide caregivers in using wearable technology, like a smartwatch and a smart ring, to monitor their stress levels and sleep patterns. Caregivers will learn stress reduction techniques, like mindful breathing, and receive compassionate support and education on how to care for their loved ones better. The goal is to improve caregivers' health and well-being, making it easier for them to provide care and enjoy their time with the person they are looking after.

To participate in this study, you must be a relative caring for someone with dementia who lives in the community. You should be between the ages of 65 and 74, willing to wear the monitoring devices, and identify as Korean, Vietnamese, Latino/Hispanic, or non-Hispanic White, speaking English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean. Participants can expect supportive visits and practical advice to help them manage caregiving challenges. It's important to know that individuals with certain health conditions, such as cognitive impairments or serious illnesses, may not be eligible to join. This study aims to provide valuable support to underserved caregivers, helping to improve their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • a relative of community dwelling person with dementia (i.e., Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias)
• • providing primary care for the person with dementia
• • willing to wear monitoring devices (a smartwatch during day time and a smartring during night time for 3 months
• • self-reporting ethnicity/race as Korean, Vietnamese, Latino/Hispanic, or non-Hispanic Whites with the following languages spoken in this study: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • cognitive impairment that precludes an individual from understanding the consent process and completing surveys (for those aged 65 or older as assessed by Mini-Cog)
• • chronic drug abuse
• • currently active cancer treatment
• • need hospice care
• • other significant health problems (i.e., having pacemaker, epilepsy or neurologic disorder) that exclude wearing a smartwatch and a smartring