Addressing Emotional Distress in Dyads of Persons With a Young Onset Dementia (YOD) and Their Care-partners

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jun 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people who have Young Onset Dementia (YOD) and their care-partners manage emotional distress. The study will test a virtual program that includes six sessions for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. The goal is to help both individuals feel better emotionally, build resilience, and improve their overall quality of life.

To participate in this study, both the person with YOD and their care-partner need to be between the ages of 18 and 65 and must have a recent diagnosis of dementia. They should also be able to understand and communicate in English and have some level of emotional distress. However, those with other serious health issues or certain mental health conditions may not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in helpful sessions that aim to strengthen their emotional well-being together, all from the comfort of their own home.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between the ages of 18-65 at the time of enrollment \[both patient and care-partner\]
• • Diagnosis of young-onset dementia (FTD, PPA, AD, PCA, etc.) with symptom onset prior to age 65 \[patient\]
• • A designated care-partner willing and interested to participate \[both patient and care-partner\]
• • Received YOD diagnosis in the past 6 month \[patient\]
• • English fluency and literacy \[both patient and care-partner\]
• • Cognitive ability to understand study and research protocol in order to consent to study participation \[both patient and care-partner\]
• • Patient and/or caregiver exhibit emotional distress on screening (using HADS D and/or HADS A scores \> 7)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • And additional, terminal diagnosis such as cancer
• • Lack of access to internet and/or a device with a camera
• • Current untreated or unstable severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or active substance use