Remote Young-Onset Dementia Research Study
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School are conducting a study on programs to support adults recently diagnosed with young-onset dementia or cognitive impairment and their care partners.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed with young-onset cognitive impairment or dementia in the past 6 months
18+
years old with a participating care partner
Compensation
provided up to $300 each
Conducted remotely
Study Background
A diagnosis of young-onset dementia can bring sudden changes that affect both daily life and close relationships.
When symptoms begin earlier in adulthood, individuals and their loved ones are often faced with new challenges they may not feel prepared for. Changes in memory, thinking, and communication can create stress, uncertainty, and shifts in roles within relationships, making it harder to navigate everyday life.
Although support can make a meaningful difference, there are limited resources tailored specifically to people living with young-onset conditions and those who care for them. This study explores ways to provide guidance and practical tools that may help both individuals and care partners feel more supported, connected, and better equipped to manage these changes together.
Study Background
A diagnosis of young-onset dementia can bring sudden changes that affect both daily life and close relationships.
When symptoms begin earlier in adulthood, individuals and their loved ones are often faced with new challenges they may not feel prepared for. Changes in memory, thinking, and communication can create stress, uncertainty, and shifts in roles within relationships, making it harder to navigate everyday life.
Although support can make a meaningful difference, there are limited resources tailored specifically to people living with young-onset conditions and those who care for them. This study explores ways to provide guidance and practical tools that may help both individuals and care partners feel more supported, connected, and better equipped to manage these changes together.
Additional Information
The study is being done to learn which approaches help people with young-onset dementia and their care partners cope with stress and communicate better after a diagnosis.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Person with Young Onset Dementia or Cognitive Impairment:
- Adults 18 years of age or older
- A recent (within the past 6 months) diagnosis of young-onset cognitive impairment or dementia.
- Must have a care partner willing to participate.
Care Partner:
- Adult 18 years of age or older who is the care partner of a person with young-onset cognitive impairment or dementia.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Anyone younger than 18
- Anyone with a serious medical illness expected to worsen in the next 6 months (for example, cancer)
- Anyone with an untreated serious mental illness diagnosis (for example, schizophrenia)
You and your care partner will be randomly assigned to one of two programs.
You will attend seven weekly online sessions together. Each session lasts about 60 minutes and is led by a psychologist.
You and your care partner will complete surveys at three times: before the program, after the program, and three months after the program ends.
All activities are completed remotely from your home.
Yes, participants can receive up to $300 each. You will receive $50 for the first survey, $100 for the second, and $150 for the third. Since the program is online, there are no transportation costs.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
