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

Summary

Caring for a person living with dementia can be stressful, and many family caregivers report limited access to effective educational resources for managing dementia-related behaviors and caregiver stress. This study will evaluate a learning-based educational intervention called structured retrieval practice (SRP), which is designed to improve long-term learning by encouraging repeated recall of information with feedback. Informal dementia caregivers will be randomly assigned to learn caregiving and self-care strategies using either SRP or a traditional reading-based educational approach. Participants will be assessed on their knowledge, confidence in caregiving skills, stress levels, and perceptions of dementia-related behavioral symptoms over multiple follow-up periods. The study will also examine whether the SRP intervention is feasible and acceptable for caregivers in real-world settings.

Interventions

• Structured Retrieval Practice · BEHAVIORAL

  The structured retrieval practice intervention is an educational learning approach designed to support durable knowledge retention through repeated active recall of information with corrective feedback. Caregivers will engage in retrieval-based learning activities focused on dementia symptom management, coping strategies, and self-care. Learning activities will be spaced over time, and participants will receive immediate feedback to support learning and retention.

• Reading-Based Education · BEHAVIORAL

  The reading-based education control condition consists of caregiver educational materials presented in a traditional reading format. Participants will review written information covering dementia-related behavioral symptoms, coping strategies, and caregiver self-care. Materials will be matched in content to the structured retrieval practice condition but will not include active retrieval or feedback components.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 50 years or older
* Informal (unpaid) caregiver for a family member or friend living with dementia
* Providing ongoing assistance or support to the individual with dementia
* Reports moderate to high perceived stress, defined as a score of 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
* Able to speak and read English
* Able to complete study procedures either in person or remotely
* Has access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
* Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Paid or professional caregivers (e.g., home health aides)
* Caregivers younger than 50 years of age
* Caregivers reporting low perceived stress (PSS-10 score below 14)
* Caregivers providing assistance to an individual without evidence of cognitive - impairment, as determined by a dementia screening interview (AD8 score \< 2)
* Inability to complete study procedures due to cognitive, sensory, or technological limitations
* Failure to meet study screening requirements or provide informed consent

Sites (1)

• Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, Virginia · RECRUITING