1 - (IOP 25) We Can Do This, That I Learned. An Open Pilot of Resilient Together for Dementia, a Novel Dyadic Resiliency Intervention Delivered Early After Diagnosis

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are increasingly prevalent conditions with devastating impacts to individuals and their care partners. Partners are particularly involved and impacted, and clinically elevated emotional distress (i.e., anxiety and depression) is common for both partners after diagnosis. Without support, emotional distress may become chronic and negatively affect both partners’ health, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this study, we report results from the open pilot of Resilient Together for Dementia (RT-ADRD), a novel, dyadic, skills-based intervention aimed at preventing chronic emotional distress in couples early after diagnosis. This presentation will describe preliminary feasibility and acceptability of the intervention as well as exit interview feedback from couples used to revise the intervention procedures and content.

Methods: Six dyads (N = 12) were recruited within six months of ADRD diagnosis. Couples were referred by diagnosing clinicians (e.g., neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists), screened for eligibility, and consented. Consented participants completed baseline assessments and then participated in six, weekly RT-ADRD sessions together with a study clinician. They then completed post-test assessments and a single 60-minute exit interview together with research staff.

Results: Feasibility of recruitment, screening, and enrollment was acceptable. We found some improvements in individual ratings of emotional distress, hypothesized mechanisms, and relationship functioning. Exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with the program. All couples indicated that the program was interesting, helpful, and that they were glad to have participated. Couples shared specific reflections on content that they found especially helpful. Couples also offered suggestions for program revision.

Limitations: This study was an open pilot trial with a small sample size and somewhat heterogeneous population. Additional feasibility testing in a fully powered randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm program feasibility and acceptability prior to efficacy testing.

Conclusions: Our open pilot trial provides preliminary evidence of program feasibility, and yielded critical information to enhance the program prior to a larger feasibility trial.