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

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

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 50 years or older
* Informal (unpaid) caregiver for a family member or friend living with dementia
* Providing ongoing assistance or support to the individual with dementia
* Reports moderate to high perceived stress, defined as a score of 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
* Able to speak and read English
* Able to complete study procedures either in person or remotely
* Has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
* Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Paid or professional caregivers (e.g., home health aides)
* Caregivers younger than 50 years of age
* Caregivers reporting low perceived stress (PSS-10 score below 14)
* Caregivers providing assistance to an individual without evidence of cognitive - impairment, as determined by a dementia screening interview (AD8 score \< 2)
* Inability to complete study procedures due to cognitive, sensory, or technological limitations
* Failure to meet study screening requirements or provide informed consent

Conditions4

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