Why Are Spousal Caregivers More Prevalent than Nonspousal Caregivers as Study Partners in AD Dementia Clinical Trials?

Most Alzheimer’s disease caregivers are not spouses and yet most Alzheimer’s disease dementia trials enroll spousal study partners. This study examined the association between caregiver relationship to the patient and willingness to enroll in an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial and how caregiver burden and research attitudes modify willingness. Interviews were conducted with 103 caregivers (spouses, domestic partners, or adult children) who met criteria for ability to serve as a study partner. The researchers concluded that spousal caregivers had both a higher willingness to participate and a more positive attitude toward research. Caregiver burden had no association with willingness to participate. The strongest predictor of willingness was research attitudes.

Cary MS, Rubright JD, Grill JD, Karlawish J. Why are spousal caregivers more prevalent than nonspousal caregivers as study partners in AD dementia clinical trials? Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders 2015;29(1):70-4.

fd22aa42b5d4b9a2b0b34a72613d3ca6 Recruit & Retain Participants 2019-01-14T00:00:00Z Caregivers Research Articles