Studies
| Study Title: | Caring for the Family Caregiver: Testing the effect of two wellness programs that support wellbeing of family caregivers of persons with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases |
| Rationale: | Approximately one-in-five Canadians provide care for a family member or friend with long-term health problems. In general, caregivers are considered a group of individuals who are exposed to chronic stress due to their caregiving role; however, there are exceptions and not all caregivers experience chronic stress. A number of stress-related illnesses have been reported in caregivers, including emotional distress, depression, poor sleep quality, and overall poor quality of life. Studies suggest that older caregivers show cognitive problems, such as problems with learning and memory, compared to non-caregiving older adults. Importantly, chronic stress experienced by the caregiver may undermine their ability to care for their loved one. |
| Study Description: |
The purpose of this study is to assess whether an 8-week stress-management program supports psychological well-being (e.g., feelings of stress), biological indicators of stress (e.g., inflammation), and cognitive function (e.g., attentional ability) in primary family caregivers of someone with a neurodegenerative disorder. We are recruiting 232 participants to participate in this research study. Those interested will first complete a 10-minute pre-screening phone call. Eligible participants will be assigned to a mindfulness training, a psychoeducation, or a waitlist control group. Each group will be a two-hour weekly session over 8 weeks on Zoom. Participants will complete three assessments: one before the program, one after the program and one at a 12-month follow-up. Each assessment will include online questionnaires on your current mood, attitudes and self-care habits; tasks that measure attention while on Zoom with a researcher; and providing blood samples, height/weight measurements and blood pressure readings. This study will help us understand the effects of stress-management programs for caregivers, generally considered a group of individuals exposed to chronic stress. Findings from this study will drive the development of targeted, community-based programs for informal caregivers. |
| Starting Date: | 2024-01-01 |
| Ending Date: | 2027-12-01 |
| Who can participate: | Primary family caregivers aged 50 - 70 of people with neurodegenerative disorders. |
| Trial Institution: | Toronto Metropolitan University |
| Trial Investigator: | Dr. Alexandra Fiocco |
| Contact Information: | Rhiannon Ueberholz rhiannon.ueberholz@torontomu.ca |
| Trial Funding: | University Hospital Foundation |