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Improving Well-Being for Older Adult Family Dementia Caregivers

Research Question:
Can attending a brief small-group program designed to reduce stress and promote health and wellness, lead to measurable improvements in immune health as well as physical and emotional well-being in people caring for a loved one who has dementia?

Basic Study Information

Purpose:
The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and the Living Well (LW) for Dementia Caregivers program, compared to any usual care, to see if the programs might be associated with better immune function, physical and emotional health, and well-being. This study is looking for individuals age 55 and up who are caring for a loved one (such as a spouse, parent, close friend) who has dementia. Participation includes attending a weekly small group meeting over eight weeks for one of two study programs (determined randomly). Both programs address ways of improving physical and emotional well-being in the context of dementia caregiving. These 8-week programs typically begin in late August at Monroe Community Hospital.

Location: Rochester, NY
Study Web URL: https://research.son.rochester.edu/dementia-caregiving/
Study Reference #: STUDY0000881

Lead Researcher (Principal Investigator)

Lead Researcher: Kathi Heffner

Study Contact Information

Study Coordinator: Jeff Swan
Phone: (585) 275-6835
Email: jeffrey_swan@urmc.rochester.edu

Additional Study Details

Study Details:
Participation includes up to five flexibly scheduled private study visits which can be done either in your home or at the U of R (parking validation is provided). Most visits involve answering questions about things such as general health, stress, and mood, as well as about your caregiving role and what it’s been like for you. Some visits also involve a blood draw to measure aspects of immune system health. Optional care support staff can be available to spend time with your loved one with dementia during the study visits. The 8-week programs typically begin in late August and meet weekly at Monroe Community Hospital. If desired, optional in-home respite care can be covered by the Alzheimer’s Association for your loved one during the meetings. Participants will receive up to $200 for completion of the study. Enrollment occurs yearly around May thru late Aug, but the study team is happy to discuss the details at any time. For more information, please call (585) 275-6835, email us at mindbody@urmc.rochester.edu, or complete the confidential “Contact This Study” section of this webpage.

Parking: Free