Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Horticultural Activities Among the People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

130 participantsStarted 2024-11-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this study is to explore the effects of technology-enhanced horticultural activities on people with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do these activities improve cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in PWD? * Do they reduce stress and depressive symptoms in caregivers and improve their quality of life? The study will have two phases: * Phase I: Conduct a pilot study with PWD in a geriatric day hospital to evaluate feasibility and initial effects. * Phase II: Conduct a larger trial with PWD and caregivers in community settings to further assess impact. Participants will engage in indoor horticultural activities using a smart grower, participate in training sessions, and complete assessments before and after the intervention.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria (PWD): * aged 65 or above; * diagnosed with any type of dementia at the early to moderate stage; * community-dwelling (i.e., non-institutionalized); and * able to understand Cantonese and follow simple instructions. Inclusion Criteria (Caregivers) * aged 18 years or above; * blood or by-marriage relatives (e.g., spouses, siblings, children, and grandchildren) of a person who has been clinically diagnosed with dementia, regardless of its type; * are taking up caring responsibilities ranging from physical aid to emotional support, in the form of transportation, financial assistance, personal hygiene, and decision-making; * providing most of the daily care and support for PWD (daily contact for at least four hours); and * able to speak Cantonese. Exclusion Criteria (PWD + Caregivers): * being diagnosed with a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression; * taking anticonvulsants or any kind of psychotropic drugs; and * identified with self-reported suicidal thoughts or drug abuse in the past 6 months.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

PWD Outcome: Cognitive Functioning

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Engagement

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Challenging Behaviors

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Challenging Behaviors

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Positive Caregiving Experience

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Perceived Stress Level

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Quality of Life

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcomes: Depressive Symptoms

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06665243

SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11-01

Contact for this trial

Patrick Kor, PhD

852-27665622 patrick.kor@polyu.edu.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dementia trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

PWD Outcome: Cognitive Functioning

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Engagement

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Challenging Behaviors

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

PWD Outcome: Challenging Behaviors

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Positive Caregiving Experience

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Perceived Stress Level

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcome: Quality of Life

Timeframe: 8 Weeks

Caregivers' Outcomes: Depressive Symptoms

Timeframe: 8 Weeks