2022 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dementia Caregivers with Poor Sleep

How might a telehealth therapy intervention improve sleep and well-being in caregivers of individuals with dementia?

Yeonsu Song, Ph.D.
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - United States

Background

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures Report, more than 11 million Americans provided unpaid care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in 2022. Studies suggest that dementia can present several challenges for caregivers, often impacting their own physical and emotional health. For instance, caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s frequently report poor sleep, which is associated with increased depressive symptoms and elevated inflammation. 

Researchers are trying to develop interventions to improve the quality of life for family caregivers. One such intervention is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through targeted activities, ACT is designed to help caregivers better accept challenges and emotions from daily caregiving situations. Dr. Yeonsu Song and colleagues believe that ACT strategies could be adapted for a sleep intervention, which may be beneficial for caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Research Plan

Dr. Song and colleagues will study the effectiveness of an ACT-focused sleep intervention for caregivers of individuals with dementia. The intervention will consist of six weekly sessions with a trained clinical psychologist via a videoconferencing system (e.g., Zoom). Immediately after the sixth intervention session, and again after three months, the researchers will evaluate participants’ sleep, health status measures, and quality of life. Caregivers will wear devices called actigraphs on their wrists to measure sleep parameters and average activity. They will also write sleep diaries and complete questionnaires.

Impact

The results may support the use of specific sleep interventions for caregivers of people with dementia. Such interventions may help caregivers take care of their own well-being while also caring for a family member with dementia.