STELLA-FTD: Examination of a Behavior Change Intervention for FTD Family Care Partners

Launched by OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · Sep 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The STELLA-FTD trial is a nationwide study aimed at helping family caregivers who take care of loved ones with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This study will test a program called STELLA-FTD, which uses video calls to teach caregivers how to manage challenging behaviors and emotional issues that often come with dementia. By participating, family caregivers will learn how to connect with helpful resources and support groups, making their caregiving experience easier and more effective.

To join the study, caregivers must be adults who provide at least four hours of care each week to a family member with a confirmed diagnosis of FTD. They should also be able to communicate in English, own a phone, and have an email address for receiving study materials. The person with FTD must also be a family member of the caregiver and live in the U.S. Participants can expect to engage in video sessions where they’ll receive guidance and share experiences with other caregivers. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable support for those caring for loved ones with FTD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria: Family Care Partner
• • Adult caring for family member with FTD.
• • Provides 4 or more hours of care/week. Does not have to reside with.
• • Identifies at least 2 moderately upsetting behaviors in the person with FTD.
• • Speaks and understands English to be able to participate in intervention.
• • Owns a telephone (smartphone, cell phone or landline).
• • Has email and mailing address to receive computer, study materials and surveys.
• • Provides informed consent to participate in the research.
• • Lives in the US
• • Inclusion Criteria: Person with FTD
• • Diagnosis of FTD
• • Family member of a Care Partner (this can be a relative, spouse, or close kin that is considered family).
• • Lives in US
• • Exclusion Criteria: Person with FTD
• • No Frontotemporal Degeneration diagnosis.
• • Unable to leave Care Partner during STELLA-FTD sessions.
• • Enrolled in hospice.
• • Exclusion Criteria: Family Care Partner
• • Unable to find activity for Care Recipient during STELLA-FTD sessions to allow Care Partner to work privately with Guide and other Care Partners.
• • Hearing and/or vision problems severe enough to prevent participation.
• • Refuses to be video-recorded during STELLA-FTD sessions.
• • Unwilling or unable to adequately follow study instructions and participate in study procedures.