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NCT06650527 | RECRUITING | Caregivers of People Living With Dementia

Effect of Cognitive Empathy Training on Dementia Caregivers
Sponsor:

Emory University

Information provided by (Responsible Party):

James K. Rilling

Brief Summary:

The goal of this project is to investigate the effect of cognitive empathy training on mental health, inflammation, and immune function in caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD), and to examine the underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms. The primary aim is to establish the effectiveness of cognitive empathy training in improving caregiver mental health and immune function, and in decreasing caregiver inflammation The secondary aim is to investigate the psychological and neurobiological mechanism by which cognitive empathy training improves caregiver well-being

Condition or disease

Caregivers of People Living With Dementia

Dementia

Intervention/treatment

Cognitive Empathy Training

Control Condition

Pre and post intervention blood spot collection

Pre and post intervention MRI session

Phase

NA

Detailed Description:

In the U.S., over 7 million people currently live with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD), a number projected to exceed 16 million by 2060. Family caregivers, numbering more than 11 million, play a crucial role in managing the care of these individuals, often bearing significant emotional and financial burdens. In 2021, the cost of care for dementia reached $593 billion, with families contributing a substantial portion. Caregivers frequently experience negative mental and physical health impacts due to chronic stress, including increased rates of depression and inflammation. Research indicates that caregiving leads to decreased immune function, with elevated Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers serving as a marker for immune health. Interventions aimed at supporting caregivers, such as psychoeducational programs, have shown benefits, particularly in enhancing coping skills. Additionally, fostering cognitive empathy in caregivers may improve their mental health and the quality of care provided to individuals with dementia, potentially mitigating some of the adverse health effects associated with caregiving stress.

Study Type : INTERVENTIONAL
Estimated Enrollment : 118 participants
Masking : NONE
Primary Purpose : OTHER
Official Title : Effect of Cognitive Empathy Training on Dementia Caregivers
Actual Study Start Date : 2025-02-13
Estimated Primary Completion Date : 2028-11
Estimated Study Completion Date : 2028-11

Information not available for Arms and Intervention/treatment

Ages Eligible for Study: 50 Years
Sexes Eligible for Study: ALL
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: 1
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
  • * Caregivers must live with their care recipient
  • * Caregivers must have a Zarit Burden Scale score of 19 or higher
  • * Caregivers must have no plans to move their care recipient to an institutional setting within the next year
  • * Caregivers must be able to read and write English
  • * Care recipient not in hospice
  • * Access to a mobile phone that can take and email photographs
Exclusion Criteria
  • * Subjects with a history of seizures or other neurological disorders, alcoholism, or any other substance abuse
  • * Subjects with a history of psychiatric illness (excluding depression and anxiety disorders) will also be excluded
  • * Subjects with a history of head trauma based on Survey
  • * Subjects with MRI contra-indications
Effect of Cognitive Empathy Training on Dementia Caregivers

Location Details

NCT06650527

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How to Participate

Want to participate in this study, select a site at your convenience, send yourself email to get contact details and prescreening steps.

Locations

RECRUITING

United States, Georgia

Alter

Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30302

RECRUITING

United States, Georgia

Emory Integrated Memory Care

Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329

RECRUITING

United States, Georgia

Nia Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329