Socially Isolated Older Adults Living With Dementia

University of Washington

Status

Completed

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease

Dementia

Treatments

Behavioral: Personalized care network

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

NIH

Identifiers

NCT03666624

STUDY00005149

5P30AG034592-05 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The lack of efficacious research-based interventions for sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, combined with the heightened risk of cognitive impairment in this population, presents a significant public health problem. SGM older adults are at elevated risk of social isolation and experience significant barriers to healthcare access. Existing interventions for older adults with dementia have been found to be effective for caregiving dyads. Yet SGM older adults, compared to heterosexuals, are significantly less likely to be married or to have biological family members to support them. A significant proportion of SGM older adults living with dementia have no caregiver or care network. The goal of the proposed research is to design and pilot test the cultural appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of an innovative translation of a personalized care network-RDAD (Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease) to support those living with dementia without a family caregiver, directly addressing unique SGM-specific risk factors.

Full description

We will address the following aims:

Aim 1. Develop a personalized care network-RDAD intervention suitable for SGM older adults living with dementia without caregivers.

Aim 2. Implement a preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 30 participants with 2 arms (routine medical care vs. the personalized care network-RDAD approach) to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and initial efficacy of the intervention.

Enrollment

30 patients

Sex

All

Ages

50+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Age at enrollment is 50 years of age or older
Self-identify as LGBT (or sexual or gender non-binary or same sex sexual behavior)
Have early stage dementia, including Alzheimer's disease or needs help with complex daily activities
Living in the community, not in a care facility.

Exclusion criteria

Known terminal illness (with death anticipated within the next 12 months)
Hospitalization for a psychiatric disorder in the 12 months prior to baseline
Have more than early stage dementia
Any physical limitations/chronic conditions preventing participation in an exercise program.