Caring for the Family Caregiver: Testing the Effect of Two Wellness Programs That Support the Well-being of Family Caregivers of Persons With Neurodegenerative Disorders
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Caregiver Burden
- Sponsor
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Enrollment
- 232
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess whether an 8-week mindfulness program enhances psychological well-being (e.g., stress, depressive symptoms), biological indicators of stress (e.g., inflammation), and cognitive function (e.g., attentional ability) in primary family caregivers of persons with dementia or a related neurodegenerative disease. A total of 232 primary family caregivers aged 50+ years of age will be recruited for this study and randomized to one of three groups: mindfulness meditation (MM), psychoeducation (PSY) or caregiver respite (CR). All participants will complete three testing sessions: baseline (pre-intervention [T1]), post 8-week follow-up (post-intervention, [T2]), and 12-month follow-up (T3).
Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to assess the benefits of 2 virtual self-care programs - mindfulness meditation or a psychoeducation support group - for family caregivers of persons with a neurodegenerative disorder. Both programs are 8-weeks in length. A third arm will include a respite-ony group, which may be considered "treatment as usual". Outcomes of interest include psychological well-being (e.g., stress, depressive symptoms), biological indicators of stress (e.g., inflammation), and cognitive function (e.g., attentional ability). All participants will complete three testing sessions: baseline (pre-intervention \[T1\]), post 8-week follow-up (post-intervention, \[T2\]), and 12-month follow-up (T3). The target sample is 232 family/informal caregivers, aged 50+ years old. All sessions will be conducted using the Zoom platform. Participants will be required to go to LifeLabs for blood collection. Blood results will be shared with participants.
Investigators
Alexandra J. Fiocco, PhD
Professor
Toronto Metropolitan University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •50+ years of age
- •Currently a primary family caregiver
- •Fluent in English
Exclusion Criteria
- •Existing mindfulness practice
- •Diagnosed/Presenting with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder; Substance Disorder; Psychosis
- •Unable to attend 8 sessions
- •No access to a computer or high-speed internet
- •Not willing to be randomized
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression
Time Frame: Baseline, post-intervention (within 1 week following intervention completion), 12-month follow-up.
A 20-item Likert-type questionnaire that measures presence of depressive symptoms in the past week. Higher scores (range 0-60) indicate greater depressive symptoms.
Perceived Stress Scale
Time Frame: Baseline, post-intervention (within 1 week following intervention completion), 12-month follow-up.
10-item Likert-type scale that measured level of distress in the past month. The questionnaire will be modified to cover the past 2 weeks. Higher scores (range 0-40) indicate greater perceived stress.
Secondary Outcomes
- Zarit Burden Interview(Baseline, post-intervention (within 1 week following intervention completion), 12-month follow-up.)
- Allostatic Load Index(Baseline, post-intervention (within 1 week following intervention completion), 12-month follow-up)
- Flanker Task(Baseline, post-intervention (within 1 week following intervention completion), 12-month follow-up.)