Identifying Factors Predicting ACcurately End-of-Life in Dementia With Lewy Bodies and Promoting Quality End-of-Life Experiences: the PACE-DLB Study

Detailed Summary

The PACE-DLB Study is for people with at least moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and their primary caregiver. The study's goals are to learn more about the experiences of people with DLB and their caregivers as DLB progresses, and what happens as the end of life of the person with DLB approaches. Participants are enrolled through one of five Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) Research Center of Excellence clinics, or directly via the LBDA. People with DLB will enroll into the study along with their primary informal caregiver, such as the family member or friend who is involved in most of their care and attends the majority of their medical appointments. A legally authorized representative (LAR) for the person with DLB will consent to participate in the study on the person's behalf. If the person with DLB resists taking part in the study, the pair will not be enrolled. The study consists of questionnaires about the progression of the person's dementia and the experiences of the caregiver. The person with DLB will complete one questionnaire themselves if they are able to. If the pair is enrolled at a LBDA Research Center of Excellence clinical site, and completes study visits in-person, a brief physical exam of the person with DLB will be completed by a clinician. Study participation will last for three years, or until the person with DLB dies. Study visits take place every six months, either virtually or in person at a clinical study site. If the person with DLB dies during the study, the caregiver will complete one final virtual study visit three months afterward. Specific Aims of the PACE-DLB Study: 1. To determine predictors of the end of life (death within 6 months) in the DLB population. Hypotheses: Predictors of death within 6 months for individuals with DLB will include symptoms (e.g. worsening hallucinations, fluctuations) not captured in existing dementia end-of-life prediction tools. 2. To identify whether change in caregiver measures can predict the end of life in the DLB. Hypotheses: The investigators hypothesize that there will be worsening caregiver burden, depression, grief, and quality of life preceding the last 6 months of life, controlling for variables such as resilience, support, and living situation. 3. To identify the impact of demographics, health care factors, and specific DLB symptoms on patient quality of life and caregiver experiences at the end of life of the person living with DLB. Hypotheses: Location (rural, urban, suburban), provider experience (e.g. specialist vs not), patient residence (e.g. home, skilled nursing), degree of behavioral symptoms, caregiver type (spouse vs child vs other), and caregiver characteristics (self-efficacy, perceived social support, resilience, and coping) will affect patient and informal caregiver experiences at the patient's end of life, including patient and caregiver quality of life and caregiver well-being, depression, burden, grief, and satisfaction with end-of-life care.

Study Details

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