Dementia, Dementia Family Caregiver, Medication Adherence
Conditions
Brief summary
This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a brief medication collaboration intervention among older adults (age 60+) with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment who take multiple medications and their family caregivers. The main aims are to: 1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for older adults with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers, and 2) explore the effects of intervention on medication collaboration, medication adherence, and beliefs about dementia and autonomy. In this study, participants will: 1) complete a 15-30-minute baseline interview (by Zoom or phone), 2) participate together in a 45-60-minute virtual intervention led by an interventionist that includes: Assessment of medication responsibilities and beliefs. Education about dementia and medication management. Cognitive restructuring to address beliefs about independence and caregiver assistance. Collaborative planning for medication responsibilities and routines; and lastly 3) complete a 15-20-minute one-month follow-up interview (by Zoom or phone) to assess the intervention's acceptability and changes in medication management outcomes.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMedication Collaboration Intervention
A brief virtual behavioral intervention for older adults with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers designed to support collaborative medication management. The intervention includes: (1) assessment of beliefs about dementia, autonomy, and current medication responsibilities; (2) education on dementia progression and medication management; (3) reframing maladaptive beliefs regarding independence and caregiver assistance; and (4) collaborative development of implementation intentions and medication responsibility plans to facilitate medication adherence and the transition of medication management responsibilities. The intervention is delivered remotely via Zoom or telephone in a single 45-60-minute session by trained study interventionists.
Sponsors
Northwestern University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
for older adults with dementia: 1. Age 60 or older 2. Diagnosis of dementia, Alzhimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment 3. Quick Dementia Rating Scale Score 2-12 (inclusive of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia) 4. Taking 3 or more medications 5. Involved with managing their medications 6. Proficient speaking English 7. Capacity to provide consent Inclusion criteria for caregivers include:: 1. Primary family caregiver for the past 3 months 2. Age 18 or older 3. Proficient speaking English
Exclusion criteria
* adults unable to consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptability of the Medication Collaboration Intervention | 1 Month | Participant-reported acceptability of the intervention will be measured using The Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Scale values range from 1 to 5 with a higher score indicating greater perceived acceptability of the Medication Collaboration Intervention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Collaboration | 1 Month | Self-report of caregiver involvement with medications will be measured using an adapted version of the dyadic relationship scale. Scale scores range from 1-5 with a higher score indicating higher medication collaboration between caregiver and patient. |
| Medication adherence | 1 Month | Self-reported medication adherence via the Medication Adherence Scale. Responses are summed and averaged, with total scores ranging from 0-5, and higher scores indicating better adherence. |
| Beliefs about dementia | 1 month | Beliefs about dementia will be measured using the Representations and Adjustment to Dementia Index (RADIX) questionnaire. Individual items are scored, and scores range from 1-4. |
| Medication Administration Hassles | 1 Month | Caregiver reported medication administration hassles will be measured using The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale. We will use the Logistics subscale. The total score ranges from 0-35, with higher scores indicating greater perceived hassle associated with managing the logistics of another person's medication regimen |
| Beliefs about independence with medicines | 1 month | Beliefs about independence with medicines will be self reported using individual items. We will use report the frequency of agreement with individual items, where greater agreements indicates stronger beliefs in the importance of medication autonomy and independence. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTRachel O'Conor
CONTACTDianne Oladejo
Outcome results
None listed