RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07413406

Comparing Structured Retrieval Practice and Reading-Based Education for Dementia Caregivers

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Care Partner-Centered Structured Retrieval Practice Intervention for Dementia Caregiver Education and Well-Being

Sponsor

Virginia Wesleyan University

Enrollment

65 participants

Start Date

Oct 3, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Dementia Alzheimer Disease Caregiver Stress

Summary

Caring for a person living with dementia can be stressful, and many family caregivers report limited access to effective educational resources for managing dementia-related behaviors and caregiver stress. This study will evaluate a learning-based educational intervention called structured retrieval practice (SRP), which is designed to improve long-term learning by encouraging repeated recall of information with feedback. Informal dementia caregivers will be randomly assigned to learn caregiving and self-care strategies using either SRP or a traditional reading-based educational approach. Participants will be assessed on their knowledge, confidence in caregiving skills, stress levels, and perceptions of dementia-related behavioral symptoms over multiple follow-up periods. The study will also examine whether the SRP intervention is feasible and acceptable for caregivers in real-world settings.

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study compares two learning methods to help family caregivers of people with dementia — retrieval practice (being tested on what you learn, to strengthen memory) versus reading-based education — to find out which approach better helps caregivers retain information and reduce stress. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 50 years old or older - You are an unpaid family caregiver for someone living with dementia - You actively help or support that person - You experience moderate to high stress (score of 14 or above on the PSS-10 stress scale) - You can speak and read English - You have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access - You are willing to give consent and complete study activities **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are a paid or professional caregiver (such as a home health aide) - You are under 50 years old - Your stress level is low (PSS-10 score below 14) - The person you care for does not show clear signs of cognitive impairment - You have physical, cognitive, sensory, or technology-related barriers that prevent you from completing study activities Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALStructured Retrieval Practice

The structured retrieval practice intervention is an educational learning approach designed to support durable knowledge retention through repeated active recall of information with corrective feedback. Caregivers will engage in retrieval-based learning activities focused on dementia symptom management, coping strategies, and self-care. Learning activities will be spaced over time, and participants will receive immediate feedback to support learning and retention.

BEHAVIORALReading-Based Education

The reading-based education control condition consists of caregiver educational materials presented in a traditional reading format. Participants will review written information covering dementia-related behavioral symptoms, coping strategies, and caregiver self-care. Materials will be matched in content to the structured retrieval practice condition but will not include active retrieval or feedback components.