Possible Therapy by Phone for Caregivers

Telephone Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Caregivers of Adults With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. A Single Arm Pilot

Caregivers of adults with dementia report higher stress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms, burden, and existential suffering, than caregivers of people with other chronic diseases.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioral intervention designed to increase psychological flexibility in the face of challenges. The Investigators are trying to determine proof of concept that suggests that ACT is effective in reducing anxiety and associated psychological distress in dementia caregivers. This study will recruit N=20 dementia caregivers to receive 6 weekly 1-hour telephone-based ACT sessions

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21 years or older
• Able to communicate in English
• Able to provide informed consent
• Listed as primary caregiver in the chart of a patient with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (DARD)
• Intends to continue caregiving form ADRD patient for at least 12 months or greater
• Clinically elevated anxiety score (score of 10 or higher on GAD-7)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-family member of the ADRD patient
• Has ADRD or other serious mental illness diagnosis such as bipolar or schizophrenia as determined by ICD-10 code