Reducing Disabilities in Alzheimer's Disease (RDAD) Translation in Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

From Evidence-Base to Practice: Implementing RDAD in AAA Community-Based Services

The University of Washington's Northwest Research Group on Aging is partnering with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Washington and Oregon to complete this translational investigation of RDAD (Reducing Disabilities in Alzheimer's Disease). RDAD is an evidence-based program with demonstrated efficacy in helping older adults with dementia maintain physical function and remain physically and mentally healthy. This study asks two questions: 1) Can AAA partners successfully translate and implement RDAD, and 2) Is AAA implementation of RDAD effective in producing desired outcomes among agencies, providers, and older adults with dementia and their family members. This study is being conducted in Washington and Oregon states.

Inclusion Criteria:

Care Recipients must

• Have a diagnosis of dementia
• Be 65 years of age or older
• Currently exercise no more than 150 minutes a week and not regularly participate in a formal exercise program.

Caregivers must

• Live in the community
• Provide care to the care recipient with dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

Either Care-recipient or Caregiver must not

• Plan to move to a long-term residential care setting within 6 months of enrollment.
• Plan to move from the study geographic area within 4 months of enrollment.
• Have a known terminal illness (with death anticipated within the next 12 months)
• Have had a hospitalization for a psychiatric disorder in the 12 months prior to baseline
• Be actively suicidal, hallucinating, or delusional
• Be blind, deaf, or not ambulatory