Remote Exercise and Dementia Caregiver Support Program for Adults Over 35 with Down Syndrome and Their Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility and initial effectiveness of a remotely delivered exercise and dementia caregiving program for older adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers. This pilot study involves 20 adult pairs of individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers, aiming to support functional fitness and dementia care in a home setting over 12 weeks. Participants with Down syndrome will engage in 12 weeks of group exercise classes delivered remotely via video calls, with three 30-minute sessions per week using pre-recorded videos. Caregivers have the option to join these exercise sessions and will also participate in weekly 40-minute group video calls focused on dementia caregiving education and support. For those living within 50 miles of the study center, staff will visit their homes at the start and end of the study to set up equipment and conduct physical assessments. Participants living farther away will receive equipment by mail and a video orientation. During the study, participants will be monitored through various assessments including physical function tests, activity tracking with accelerometers, saliva collection for caregivers, and questionnaires about physical and behavioral health. Researchers will measure feasibility outcomes such as recruitment, retention, attendance, and safety, as well as changes in physical activity, functional fitness, caregiving strain, and behavioral symptoms. The total study duration is 12 weeks with evaluations at baseline and study end.

Adapting RDAD for DS