Multi-Modal Large Language Model-Empowered Talk Therapy for Older Adults with Adrd

MB

Malaz Boustani, MD

Principal Investigator

Status: Enrolling By Invitation Ages: 65 Years - 100 Years Gender: All Genders Phase: N/A 1 Locations

Brief Description

The purpose of this study is to test the usefulness and the effect of the Smart Virtual Reminiscence (SVR) therapy intervention on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). BPSD refers to changes in behavior and mood that often occur in dementia, such as agitation, anxiety, depression, apathy, sleep disturbances, or irritability. Smart Virtual Reminiscence (SVR) therapy is a computer program that talks with you like a virtual helper. It uses artificial intelligence to show pictures, ask questions, and guide conversations about your memories. SVR is designed to help older adults improve their psychological well-being and cognition.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - We will recruit from IU Health and Eskenazi Health. Screening and recruitment will be done by research assistants. Electronic medical record review will be conducted to identify eligible enrollees.We need to identify participants that have psychological symptoms related to dementia (BPSD). We will screen medical records of patients from approved recruiting clinics to fit our inclusion/exclusion criteria.
 

 

Detailed Description

What does participation involve?

  • Participants will take part in a 12-week study together with their care partner.
  • Complete either:

  1. Listen to selected music twice a week, or

  2. Participate in reminiscence therapy using the SVR program twice a week.

  • The program will guide conversations about memories, show pictures and text, and help support mood and thinking skill

Research sessions will occur at the Health Information and Translational Sciences (HITS) Building on the IU Indianapolis campus in a designated lab for appointments.  We will not share the individual results of these tests or procedures with partiicpants because they are being done only for research purposes. 

Eligibility of study

Inclusion criteria:

  • Have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Mild ADRD

  • Have noticeable changes in behavior or mood related to dementia, such as feeling anxious, sad, irritable, restless, or losing interest in activities.

  • Are 65 years old or older

  • Have a care partner who is knowledgeable about your daytime and nighttime behaviors and will participate in this study with you.

Interested in participating?

Enrollment in IU School of Medicine clinical trials is managed through our All IN for Health program. Visit allinforhealth.info to see if you're eligible and join the study.