A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Care Partner-Centered Structured Retrieval Practice Intervention for Dementia Caregiver Education and Well-Being

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to support informal caregivers of people living with dementia by comparing two educational approaches designed to improve caregiving knowledge, skills, and stress management. The study focuses on caregivers aged 50 and older who report moderate to high stress. Researchers will evaluate a learning-based method called structured retrieval practice (SRP) that encourages repeated recall of information with feedback, compared to traditional reading-based education. The goal is to see which approach better supports caregivers in managing dementia-related behaviors and their own well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive education using SRP, which involves active recall exercises spaced over time with immediate feedback on managing dementia symptoms, coping, and self-care. The other group will receive the same educational content in a traditional reading format without active recall or feedback. Both interventions focus on caregiver strategies and dementia-related behavioral symptoms. Caregivers will be assessed at the start and then at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months after the intervention. Measurements include knowledge retention, confidence in caregiving skills, perceived stress, and reports of dementia-related behavioral symptoms. The study will also gather feedback on how acceptable and feasible the SRP intervention is, tracking participation and adherence. Data collection can be done remotely or in person, based on participant preference, and the study runs until June 2026.

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