Alzheimer's Disease Multiple Intervention Trial

An occupational therapist (OT) will deliver the home-based intervention. There are three cycles of intervention over two years, with each cycle delivering eight 60-90 minute home sessions. Cycle one takes place over 16 weeks, cycle two over 32 weeks, and cycle three over one year. Telephone calls take place in intervening weeks, with additional phone calls allowed to assist with problem solving and interval problems. At minimum, the OT will perform an assessment at the beginning of each cycle in order to tailor the home based component for individual dyads at each cycle. The OT will collaborate with the patients and caregivers to develop client centered goals with "homework" each week in order to encourage carryover of strategies, home environmental modifications, or home exercise programs.

Collaborative care is provided by an advanced practice nurse working in collaborations with a family caregiver, the primary care physician, and geriatric medicine specialists. Caregivers complete a formal assessment of problematic behaviors to assess current symptoms and stressors, and the care manager makes recommendations based on these results and using standardized protocols. Protocols focus first on non-pharmacologic interventions. If these interventions fail, the care manager collaborates with the primary care physician and/or specialists to institute protocol-based drug therapy or other strategies. Patients and caregivers are also offered access to support groups.