Study of STELLA-FTD Video Support Program for Family Caregivers of People with Frontotemporal Dementia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating STELLA-FTD, a videoconference-based program designed to support family Care Partners of people with frontotemporal degeneration FTD. This nationwide study focuses on helping Care Partners manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia by improving use of community and peer resources. The study will include up to 320 Care Partners and their 320 Care Recipients with FTD from across the United States. The intervention consists of 8 live video group sessions held over 10 consecutive weeks, each lasting one hour and led by two guides. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a test group or a control group. Both groups receive information and support through videoconferencing, but the test group follows a different program. Groups include up to 8 Care Partners to encourage trust and commitment. Care Recipients will not participate in the intervention but will be consented to allow data collection. During the study, Care Partners will complete six detailed surveys and weekly brief surveys to monitor progress and outcomes. Researchers will assess changes in behavioral symptoms using the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist at several points before, during, and after the intervention. Secondary measures include caregiver self-efficacy, preparedness, support use, and experience surveys. The total participation spans from one month before intervention through six months post-intervention, with ongoing weekly monitoring until week 36.

STELLA-FTD: Examination of a Behavior Change Intervention for FTD Family Care Partners