The purpose of this study is to better understand how participating in meaningful activities from earlier in life may affect the well-being of people living with dementia and their family caregivers. Researchers hope to learn whether sharing these activities together can strengthen relationships, improve emotional well-being, and support a greater sense of purpose.
What is this study about?
This study explores how people living with dementia and their informal caregivers talk about favorite hobbies, interests, and activities from earlier in life, and whether doing these activities together over the course of a month is associated with emotional well-being, relationship quality, and quality of life. The findings may help inform future programs designed to support dementia care partners.
What is involved?
Participants will complete questionnaires about their well-being, relationship, and daily activities. They will also participate together in a virtual Zoom session where they discuss favorite activities from earlier in life and ways to incorporate those activities into their current routines. Caregivers will complete brief weekly surveys for four weeks, and both members of the care pair will complete a follow-up survey one month later.
Who can participate?
- Adults 18 years or older living in the United States
- Two people participating together, including:
- A person living with dementia or experiencing memory changes who is able to make the decision to participate, agree to join the study, and share their experiences during study activities
- An informal caregiver who assists with at least one instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), defined as a task needed to live independently
- Both participants must be comfortable speaking English
- Both participants must be willing to participate together
- Both participants must be able to participate in the Zoom session from the same location and agree to audio and video recording
- Participants must have access to a telephone and/or an internet-enabled device to complete study activities
Study Site
| State | City | Site Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Cornell University | Dustin Gad |
Study Funder/Sponsor
This study is funded by the Weill Cornell Program for the Study and Support of Caregivers and sponsored by Cornell University.
For more information, please email the Relationships Emotion Aging Caregiver Health (REACH) Lab at [email protected].
