Call for Research Participants: Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Brown Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital are looking for 264 family caregivers of persons with dementia to participate in a study funded by National Institute of Nursing Research. The study will:

1. Determine if a telephone intervention can reduce caregiver burden and depression;
2. Examine whether reducing caregiver burden improves depression and treatment outcome;
3. Identify personal characteristics or situational factors that will allow us to understand who may benefit from treatment.

Study Procedure
Participants will complete an initial screening and baseline assessment visit at Rhode Island Hospital. All family caregivers will receive a resource packet and telephone support calls from a trained therapist over a period of six months. They will also complete four telephone-based assessments interviews during which they will be asked questions about their mood, health and feelings regarding their caregiving responsibilities.

Family caregivers are encouraged to utilize mental health and support services throughout their participation. The intervention is intended to augment caregivers’ experiences, rather than replace existing services.

Why is this study important?

The burden of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related illness can be stressful and can take its toll on caregivers’ physical and mental health. In fact, caregivers are at greater risk for age-related diseases and reduced quality of life.

Who may participate?

Family caregivers may participate if:

• Their caree is between the ages of 50 and 90 years old;
• They have they have been providing direct care or supervision for their caree for at least 6 months;
• They have no plan to discontinue caregiving for the next 6 months;
• There is no plan for placement in long-term care within the next 6 months;
• They have experienced at least a mild level of distress associated with caregiving;
• They and their caree have no major acute medical conditions;
• They speak English;
• They have access to a telephone.

For more information about participating, contact Kelley O’Connor at 401-444-4528.

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