Reducing Grief, Stress, and Burden in Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia Using Group and Individual Therapy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess whether specific evidence-based therapies can reduce pre-death grief, burden, and stress experienced by informal caregivers of people with dementia. The study focuses on informal caregivers such as family members or close friends who support individuals with dementia. It evaluates two types of therapy approaches to understand their effects on caregiver mental health. Participants receive one of two individual behavioral therapies Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy MBCT, which combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation to address mood disorders, or Behavior Activation, which aims to increase positive behaviors to influence emotions and thoughts. Both therapies last from 12 to 16 weeks. Additionally, the study examines a modified group therapy based on similar principles. During the study, caregiver participants will be evaluated over an average of six months. Researchers will use assessments such as the Prolonged Grief Scale-12 to measure pre-death grief, the Zarit Burden Inventory to assess caregiver burden, and the Perceived Stress Scale to evaluate stress levels. These measures will be tracked throughout the study to monitor changes related to the therapies provided.

Improving Mental Health for Care Partners of Persons With AD/ADRD