THE FEASIBILITY OF AN INTERNET-BASED SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF ADULTS WITH EARLY-ONSET DEMENTIA: A MULTI-CENTRE RCT STUDY IN ENGLAND, FRANCE AND GERMANY

RHAPSODY is an EU Joint Programme - Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) project which brings together multidisciplinary teams from six countries, to improve care for individuals with early-onset dementia and their caregivers. A randomized and controlled trial was carried out to explore the potential benefits and limitations of an internet-based support program for informal caregivers of adults with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) or behavioral-variant frontotemporal degeneration (bvFTD). Internet-based interventions may provide a useful delivery format for this caregiver population, who can have difficulty to access traditional face-to-face support due to professional and family responsibilities. An online information and skill-building program was trialed at investigation sites in England, France and Germany. 60 caregivers of patients diagnosed with early-onset AD or bvFTD received access to the program for up to 12 weeks. Evaluations were carried out at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Quantitative and qualitative findings will report on technology acceptance and online user behavior, impact on caregiver burden and stress, and user satisfaction. Last participant out is scheduled for February 2017. Results of the RCT will allow an indication of the feasibility of internet-based interventions to respond to the specific needs of caregivers of adults with early-onset dementia. These findings will inform the future development, testing and distribution of the e-learning program.