The I-CARE-Rural pilot study is evaluating whether the Brain CareNotes app is usable, acceptable, and effective for rural caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The app aims to reduce caregiver stress and improve patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

What is this study about?

The purpose of the study is to:

• Test how usable and acceptable Brain CareNotes is for rural caregivers.
• See if a larger trial in rural communities is possible.
• Estimate how much the app can reduce caregiver burden and patient symptoms compared to an education-only app.

What is involved?

• Participants will take part for 6 months.
• Participants will complete three assessments.
• Beginning of study
• At 3 months
• At 6 months
• Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups:
• Group 1 - Brain CareNotes app: interactive app with caregiver support, educational resources, and access to a trained care coach.
• Group 2-Dementia Guide Expert app: education-only app about dementia.
• Those in the Brain CareNotes group use the app every two weeks to track symptoms and access personalized advice. They can also message a care coach for support.

• Age 18 or older
• Able to read, understand, and communicate in English
• Unpaid rural caregiver of person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia (ADRD) at any stage
• Reside at a rural address
• Provide support for person with ADRD who resides in the community and is not a resident of a nursing home

Study Site

Study Funder/Sponsor

The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and sponsored by the Indiana University School of Public Health.