The Traumatic Brain Injury-Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Dementia Caregiver Support Intervention: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Program Feasibility, Acceptability, and Utility

TL;DR

This study evaluated a telehealth program to support caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and a history of traumatic brain injury, finding it feasible and acceptable.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a tailored psychoeducational intervention for TBI-AD/ADRD caregivers.

Findings

TACSI was found to be feasible and acceptable to caregivers.

Caregivers appreciated the telehealth delivery and personalized approach.

Feedback from participants was used to refine the program for a larger trial.

Abstract

Research has established that unpaid family members, friends, or others who care for persons with dementia (ie, caregivers) may encounter socioemotional and physical health concerns as a consequence of providing extensive assistance. Similarly, caregivers for people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience a range of stressors and negative mental health outcomes due to care demands. Individuals with TBI often develop Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (AD/ADRD). This history of TBI may introduce complications to AD/ADRD caregiving. A comprehensive intervention grounded in the understanding of the complex caregiving context of both diagnoses is warranted to address the unique needs and concerns of TBI-AD/ADRD caregivers.

This study evaluated the feasibility of the TBI-AD/ADRD Caregiver Support Intervention (TACSI) psychoeducational program, designed to support the unique subset of caregivers facing the challenge of assisting relatives with AD/ADRD and a history of TBI. TACSI, a 6-session telehealth intervention, provides tailored psychosocial and psychoeducational coaching. In partnership with the 2 national healthcare centers, 15 caregivers enrolled in the 3-month feasibility study evaluating the design and subsequent refinement of TACSI. Mixed methods data were collected from 3-month follow-up surveys and qualitative data from postintervention interviews.

The feasibility, utility, and acceptance of TACSI were established. Caregivers liked the telehealth delivery and the personalized nature of TACSI, yet some expressed it would have been more beneficial earlier in their caregiving journey.

Caregivers valued the TACSI program. Their feedback has been applied to improve TACSI content and delivery for a larger pilot randomized controlled trial that is currently underway.

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