I-CARE 2 RCT: Mobile Telehealth to Reduce Alzheimer'S-related Symptoms for Caregivers and Patients
Indiana University
Summary
This study is a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of Brain CareNotes (a mobile health application) on the burden experienced by unpaid caregivers of patients with dementia and on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) displayed by care recipients. Over 39 months, the trial will enroll 184 caregivers of community-dwelling patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD). Caregivers will be randomized to use the Brain CareNotes app or an attention control education-only app for 12 months, with usage reminders.
Description
This study is a hybrid efficacy-effectiveness RCT to evaluate the effect of Brain CareNotes on unpaid caregiver burden and patient BPSD. Over 39 months, the trial will enroll 184 caregivers. Participants will be randomized to use the Brain CareNotes app or an attention control education-only app (Dementia Guide Expert) for 12 months. The primary objective is to test the effect of Brain CareNotes on a) caregiver burden and b) patient BPSD at 12 months. The investigators hypothesize that caregiver burden and patient BPSD will be lower among those participants randomized to the Brain CareNotes i…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Caregiver Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identified primary unpaid caregiver of a person diagnosed with ADRD (at any stage) who are: * Receiving primary care and * Community-dwelling; * English literate; * Age ≥ 18 years Caregiver Exclusion Criteria: * Care recipient is a permanent resident of an extended care facility (nursing home); * Involvement in another clinical trial that would prevent or interfere with study objectives; * Sensory or other impairment prohibiting the use of a mobile touchscreen device or other study activity (after correction)
Interventions
- BehavioralBrain CareNotes
The Brain CareNotes mobile telehealth app is used by unpaid caregivers for BPSD management. It includes remote communication with an external human support person-a care coach-as well as features for users to independently perform health-related activities.
- BehavioralDementia Guide Expert
Dementia Guide Expert provides education only and no interactive BPSD management support, coaching, assessment, or external response. It contains "evidence-based expert information on what dementia is, types, contributing factors, risks, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, tests, treatment, management, communication techniques, and links to resources and support services."
Locations (2)
- IU HealthIndianapolis, Indiana
- Community Health NetworkIndianapolis, Indiana