Stress Management Program for Caregivers of Dementia Patients
(MASC Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byChristine Ritchie, MD, MSPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Building on limitations of prior research, the investigators proposed to develop the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) to help caregivers of persons with Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) manage stress associated with the general caregiver experience including stress stemming from managing challenging patient behaviors. MASC teaches: (1) mindfulness skills; (2) compassion and self-compassion skills; and (3) behavioral management skills. MASC also provides psychoeducation and group-based training and skill practice to facilitate skill uptake and integration within the caregiver experience and tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who speak English and have been unpaid caregivers to someone with Alzheimer's or dementia for at least 6 months, providing an average of 4 hours of care daily. They must be experiencing stress from caregiving, live with the care recipient, and have dealt with challenging behaviors recently.

Inclusion Criteria

English fluency and literacy

Perceived Stress Scale-4 (4-item) version >=6

Meeting criteria for being a caregiver (e.g., family or friend of a care recipient who provides unpaid care)

See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

Involvement in another clinical trial for caregivers

A score >= 4 on the Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (PMSQ)

No stated concerns or distress related to care recipient's disruptive behaviors

See 2 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

MASC (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe MASC program is being tested to see if it can reduce stress in caregivers. It includes mindfulness and self-compassion training, behavioral management skills, psychoeducation, and group practice sessions aimed at integrating these skills into their caregiving tasks.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The intervention arm will be comprised of: 1. Six Virtual Group Sessions. The sessions will teach mindfulness, self-compassion and behavioral management skills. 2. At Home Practice. After each group session, participants will have the opportunity to integrate the practices learned into their everyday life.