Dementia Research: Shared Lives and Everyday Experiences Partners (SLEEP) Study (HUM00229355)
University of Michigan researchers are conducting a study to learn how daily life and sleep influence well-being and brain health among couples where one partner has symptoms of dementia.
Fast Facts
Hispanic and Black/African American couples ages 60+
You or your partner have symptoms of dementia
Compensation
Provided Up To $740
Conducted in Eastern Timezone States
Study Background
University of Michigan researchers are studying couples living with dementia.
Changes in daily experiences and sleep are closely connected to emotional well-being and brain health, particularly for couples living with symptoms of dementia. Disruptions in sleep and day-to-day routines can affect mood, energy, and overall quality of life for both partners.
Through the Shared Lives and Everyday Experiences in Partners (SLEEP) Study, University of Michigan researchers aim to better understand how daily interactions, sleep patterns, and shared experiences influence well-being and brain health over time among couples living with dementia. By learning more about these everyday factors, we hope to identify ways to support emotional health, relationship well-being, and cognitive functioning as couples age together.
Ultimately, findings from this study may help inform future approaches to improving quality of life and long-term brain health for people living with dementia and their partners.
Study Background
University of Michigan researchers are studying couples living with dementia.
Changes in daily experiences and sleep are closely connected to emotional well-being and brain health, particularly for couples living with symptoms of dementia. Disruptions in sleep and day-to-day routines can affect mood, energy, and overall quality of life for both partners.
Through the Shared Lives and Everyday Experiences in Partners (SLEEP) Study, University of Michigan researchers aim to better understand how daily interactions, sleep patterns, and shared experiences influence well-being and brain health over time among couples living with dementia. By learning more about these everyday factors, we hope to identify ways to support emotional health, relationship well-being, and cognitive functioning as couples age together.
Ultimately, findings from this study may help inform future approaches to improving quality of life and long-term brain health for people living with dementia and their partners.
Additional Information
In this research study, we seek to better understand how daily experiences and sleep patterns are related to emotional well-being and brain health in couples living with symptoms of dementia. Changes in sleep and day-to-day interactions may influence mood, energy, and cognitive functioning for both partners over time.
By collecting information on daily experiences, sleep, and cognitive health, this study aims to learn more about how shared routines and partner experiences are connected to well-being and brain health. Understanding these relationships may help identify factors that support resilience and quality of life for both people living with dementia and their spouses or partners.
The knowledge gained from this study may inform future strategies to support emotional well-being, relationship health, and long-term brain health among older adults living with dementia and their partners.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Both partners are 60 years of age or older
- One partner is living with symptoms of dementia (with or without a diagnosis)
- Both partners live together in the community (not in assisted living or nursing care facilities)
- Lives in the Eastern Time Zone within the United States
The study takes place over two years. Once enrolled, participation involves:
In-person visits:
- You and your partner will complete three in-person visits (initial, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up) that include a cognitive assessment and other measures of brain health. Each assessment takes about 60 minutes.
Phone and video visits:
- You will complete a 60-minute phone interview at each time point to share information about your daily experiences, routines, and well-being. These calls will be audio recorded.
- After the first interview, there will be a brief video call to go over study procedures.
At-home activities:
- You and your partner will complete 5 short smartphone surveys each day for 7 consecutive days and wear a wrist activity monitor (similar to a watch) to track sleep and activity.
- Two brief check-in calls will also take place at 6 months and 18 months to check on progress.
All study activities are designed to fit into your daily life, and if needed, interviews or assessments can be split across multiple days.
As a participant, you and your partner may receive up to $740 per couple for completing all parts of the study. Transportation assistance is also available upon request.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.