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VOCALE LBD: Online Peer Support for Caregivers of People With Lewy Body Dementia
Sponsor: University of Washington
Summary
This study tests whether a tailored, fully asynchronous online group intervention (VOCALE LBD) reduces depression in family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), compared to standard educational materials. LBD is the second most common form of degenerative dementia and causes distinct challenges, including visual hallucinations, REM sleep disorder, and severe motor symptoms, that are not addressed by generic caregiver interventions. Depression rates in LBD caregivers reach 40-50%, double the rate seen in Alzheimer's disease caregivers, yet no rigorous digital interventions exist specifically for this population. VOCALE LBD is a text-based, low-bandwidth platform (Discourse) that brings groups of 10-15 caregivers together in an 8-week moderated online community. Weekly topics address LBD-specific challenges (sleep problems, hallucinations, self-care) and problem-solving skills using the ADAPT method. A pilot study (n=54) showed strong effects on depressive symptoms (Cohen's d=0.54 at 1-month follow-up), near-perfect engagement, and high participant satisfaction. This RCT (N=220) will test efficacy, examine mechanisms of action (self-efficacy and problem-solving), and explore analytics approaches for pragmatic monitoring, laying groundwork for future implementation in clinics and community organizations.
Official title: Reducing Depression in Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Lewy Body Dementia Through Tailored Asynchronous Online Intervention.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
220
Start Date
2026-12-01
Completion Date
2030-11-30
Last Updated
2026-06-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia
The 8-week VOCALE LBD intervention is delivered asynchronously via the Discourse online platform. The weekly curriculum includes: Pre-intervention (icebreakers, self-introductions); Week 1 (self-care); Week 2 (sleep problems); Week 3 (hallucinations and delusions); Week 4 (problem-solving inventory, SPSI-R); Week 5 (ADAPT - Positive Attitude); Week 6 (ADAPT - Define the Problem); Week 7 (ADAPT - Alternative Solutions); Week 8 (ADAPT - Plan and Try).
Standard of Care Educational Materials
NIA and LBDA psychoeducational materials on LBD and caregiving; LBDA resource list; problem-solving principles handout. Materials delivered via email or mail per participant preference.
Locations (1)
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States