NCT06619327 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Resilient Together for Dementia (RT-D)
(RT-D)
What this study is about
This study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the novel Resilient Together for Dementia (RT-D) intervention for couples following dementia diagnoses. The primary target is emotional distress, and the program aims to prevent chronic distress in at-risk couples.
View original scientific description
This study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the novel Resilient Together for Dementia (RT-D) intervention for couples following dementia diagnoses. The primary target is emotional distress, and the program aims to prevent chronic distress in at-risk couples.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Resilient Together for Dementia
RT-D has been developed based on feedback from couples and dementia clinicians as well as prior successful dyadic interventions. RT-D was developed based on the Recovering Together (RT) dyadic intervention for acute neurological illnesses and is being adapted to address the needs of couples navigating new dementia diagnoses.
BEHAVIORAL
MEUC
The MEUC condition was also developed based on the comparison trial in the Recovering Together dyadic intervention, and was adapted based on feedback from prior studies. The program is self-guided and provides educational information similar to the RT-D condition, but with no skills practice or weekly sessions with a therapist.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of participants screened
Time frame: After each dyad completion, throughout study of 6-8 weeks
Feasibility of recruitment - recruitment will be monitored by screening clinic visits for potentially eligible individuals and review recruitment progress in weekly meetings to promote completion within the study time frame. The research team will measure with the proportion of participants screened.
Proportion of participants who consent or not consent to participate
Time frame: After each dyad completion, throughout study of 6-8 weeks
Feasibility of consent - by keeping a record of all individuals who complete screening that consent, refuse to consent, and the reasons for refusal will be monitored and will review progress in weekly team meetings. The research team will measure with the proportion of participants who consent or not consent to participate
Proportion of sessions participants attend
Time frame: After each dyad completion, throughout study of 6-8 weeks
The number of sessions that enrolled dyads attend as well as missed sessions, treatment dropouts, and reasons for nonattendance will be monitored and will review progress in weekly meetings. The research team will measure with the proportion of sessions participants attend.
Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ)
Time frame: After each dyad completion, throughout study of 6-8 weeks
A scale measuring treatment expectancy and rationale credibility for use in clinical outcome studies. Full scale from 0-10, with higher score indicating higher treatment expectancy
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire
Time frame: After each dyad completion, throughout study of 6-8 weeks
A 3-item questionnaire assessing participants' satisfaction with participation in the study. Full scale from 0-12, with higher score indicating greater satisfaction.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Recent (\~3 month) chart documented ADRD diagnosis,
- ADRD symptom onset after age 65
- Cognitive assessment scores and symptoms consistent with early stage dementia, as determined by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale scores of .5 or 1.0
- Cognitive awareness of their problems (as determined by the treating neurologist), and ability to understand study and research protocol, as determined by a standardized teach-back method assessment Additional inclusion criteria for dyads are:
- English speaking adults (18 years or older)
- Dyad lives together
- At least one partner endorses clinically significant emotional distress during screening (\>7 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale subscales or \<5 on the Geriatric Depression Scale)
Exclusion criteria
- Patient is deemed inappropriate by the neurology team
- Either partner has a co-occurring terminal illness
- Patient was diagnosed with forms of dementia with clinical profiles that would preclude participation (e.g., Frontotemporal Dementia- behavioral variant), as determined by treatment team.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations