Adjustment to a new diagnosis like young-onset dementia can be very challenging for both the person diagnosed and their family. This study is testing two short-term virtual programs, led by an MGH psychologist, to help people living with young-onset dementia and their care partners cope with communication and emotional adjustment together.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Person with Young Onset Dementia or Cognitive Impairment:

• Adults ages 40–70
• A recent (within the past 10 months) diagnosis of young-onset cognitive impairment or dementia
• Must have a care partner willing to participate

Care Partner:

• Caring for 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)

Overall Duration

• 7 weekly virtual sessions (60 minutes each), attended together with your care partner

Program Activities

• Virtual sessions led by an MGH psychologist with expertise in dementia care
• Complete brief survey questionnaires at three timepoints: before the program, after the program, and 3 months after completion

Notes

• All participation is completed remotely, from anywhere in the U.S.
• You will be randomly assigned to one of two programs

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.