Using Digital Media to Improve Dementia Care in India: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Caregiver Support Systems

Background:

• India faces a growing demographic transition with an aging population and high dementia rates.
• Existing dementia care resources in India are limited, often fragmented, and lack comprehensive support.
• Digital media offers a scalable solution to address the urgent need for improved dementia care awareness and resources in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the intervention study design for Moving Pictures India, a digital media resource.
• To examine the feasibility and acceptability of this novel digital resource for dementia care in India.
• To lay the groundwork for a larger implementation trial evaluating the effectiveness of digital dementia care solutions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design encompassing video interviews, co-production of resources, and a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• The pilot RCT will utilize an experimental parallel group design with two arms to assess impact, feasibility, and acceptability.
• Primary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability, with secondary outcomes focusing on caregiver burden, mood, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• The study received funding from the Alzheimer's Association in July 2021.
• Enrollment of 60 dementia caregivers (40 intervention, 20 control) is planned for the pilot RCT in 2023.
• Ethical approvals obtained from multiple Indian and Australian institutional review boards.

Conclusions:

• The protocol aims to deliver unique, co-produced, evidence-based digital media resources for dementia caregivers in India.
• Successful demonstration of feasibility and acceptability will inform an implementation trial.
• This initiative has the potential to offer a low-risk, high-benefit intervention for dementia care globally.