URMC / Research / Clinical Trials / Study Details

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.

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 (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. Participants will receive up to $200 for completion of the study. Enrollment occurs yearly around Jun thru late Aug, but the study team is happy to discuss the details at any time. Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jun-Aug 2020 enrollment phase for this study has been cancelled. We anticipate a final study enrollment phase will open in June 2021 and continue until the caregiver well-being programs begin in early September of that year. 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