Alleviating dementia caregiver stress: Implementation and evaluation of a novel mobile application

What is this Study about?

Caregivers of people living with dementia experience significant stress which can negatively affect their mental health. The overall aim of the current study is to evaluate a novel psychoeducational app that focuses on providing stress-management strategies for family caregivers of people living with dementia. The results of our study address the lack of apps developed for caregivers of people living with dementia with a focus on alleviating stress. Information gathered in this study will inform subsequent modifications to the app.

What Will Happen in This Study?

Depending on group assignment, participants may be asked to download an app on their mobile phone for an 8-week period. Participants will be asked to complete a series of brief questionnaires about their levels of burden, stress, and mental health before, after the 8-week period, and at a 4-week follow up. The full involvement for this study is 12 weeks. After the end of the study, participants may be invited to participate in a 30-minute interview led by the researcher administered over the phone/over Zoom. 

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

- Providing informal and unpaid care (e.g., spouses, children) for people living with dementia

- Providing primary care (i.e., most of the care or equally shares the care with another individual such as a mother or sibling) for the person living with dementia

- Own a smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Android)

- Not currently using a mobile app created for caregivers

- Ability to speak English

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