Try a 16-week partner exercise program designed for people with dementia and their caregivers

Back to Cognitive Impairment, Mild trials

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial tests a 16-week program called Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity (BUDPA) that asks people with mild dementia and their family caregivers to exercise together as partners. The program is designed so that both people work together during physical activity, which can help improve thinking skills, reduce stress, and strengthen their relationship. Researchers want to see if exercising as a team helps both the person with dementia and the caregiver feel better.

Dementia affects not only the person diagnosed but also their family caregiver, and the stress of caregiving can harm both their health and their relationship. This trial exists because most support programs focus on just one person, but researchers believe that when a caregiver and person with dementia exercise together, it can improve both their physical and mental health while helping them feel closer and more connected.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with dementia and have mild to early moderate cognitive loss
you are a family member who lives with and provides at least 4 hours of daily care to the person with dementia
you identify yourself as the primary caregiver
you own a smartphone and can use video calls
you have not been doing moderate or vigorous exercise for 60 minutes or more per week in the past 6 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have acute muscle or bone problems that make exercise unsafe
you have heart, lung, or blood vessel disease that would make exercise risky
you have any medical condition that your doctor says makes exercise unsafe for you
you are currently doing 60 minutes or more per week of moderate or vigorous exercise

What participation looks like

If you join the study, you and your caregiver partner will attend group exercise sessions at a local community center for 16 weeks. The program has three phases: the first month introduces the exercises, weeks 5–12 focus on learning and practicing partner movements together (with short goal-setting sessions after each class), and the final month helps you build the exercises into your daily routine (with video call check-ins). You'll also keep a simple log of your home practice, and researchers will measure your thinking and mood at the beginning, middle, and end of the program.

Partner Exercise Program for Dementia and Family Caregivers

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)