AzTrials
AzTrials

Lewy Bodies DiseaseVOCALE LBDNCT07637097

VOCALE LBD: Online Peer Support for Caregivers of People With Lewy Body Dementia

A study testing VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia in people with Lewy Bodies Disease and Depression Disorder, run by University of Washington at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study tests whether a tailored, fully asynchronous online group intervention (VOCALE LBD) reduces depression in family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), compared to standard educational materials. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
220 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Dec 2026to 30 Nov 2030
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Current family member or informal (unpaid) caregiver of a person with a confirmed diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) or LBD mixed pathology
  • Experiences depressive symptoms as defined by a score of 5 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
  • Able to read, write, and speak English
  • Has access to a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) that can connect to the internet and be used for videoconferencing or phone calls, OR is interested in using a loaner device
  • Has an active email address OR is willing to create and use an email address prior to enrollment

Who cannot join

  • Active suicidal ideation as indicated by endorsement of PHQ-9 Item 9 (thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself)
  • Paid or professional caregiver (must be unpaid family/informal caregiver)
  • Unable to read, write, or speak English

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Aimy Paulsen, MPH contact

(253) 693-8329

vocale-lbd@uw.edu

Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, RN contact

(206) 849-3301

zaslav@uw.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Washington

    Seattle, Washington, 98195

    Aimy Paulsen, MPH, (253) 693-8329, vocale-lbd@uw.edu

    Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, RN, (206) 849-3301, zaslav@uw.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Reducing Depression in Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Lewy Body Dementia Through Tailored Asynchronous Online Intervention.

This study tests whether a tailored, fully asynchronous online group intervention (VOCALE LBD) reduces depression in family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), compared to standard educational materials. LBD is the second most common form of degenerative dementia and causes distinct challenges, including visual hallucinations, REM sleep disorder, and severe motor symptoms, that are not addressed by generic caregiver interventions. Depression rates in LBD caregivers reach 40-50%, double the rate seen in Alzheimer's disease caregivers, yet no rigorous digital interventions exist specifically for this population. VOCALE LBD is a text-based, low-bandwidth platform (Discourse) that brings groups of 10-15 caregivers together in an 8-week moderated online community. Weekly topics address LBD-specific challenges (sleep problems, hallucinations, self-care) and problem-solving skills using the ADAPT method. A pilot study (n=54) showed strong effects on depressive symptoms (Cohen's d=0.54 at 1-month follow-up), near-perfect engagement, and high participant satisfaction. This RCT (N=220) will test efficacy, examine mechanisms of action (self-efficacy and problem-solving), and explore analytics approaches for pragmatic monitoring, laying groundwork for future implementation in clinics and community organizations.

Read the detailed description

Over 1.4 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Up to 80% receive care from family members, yet family caregivers of people with LBD experience depression at rates (40-50%) double those of Alzheimer's disease caregivers. LBD's distinct features - visual hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder, cognitive fluctuations, and Parkinsonian motor symptoms - create caregiving demands not addressed by existing dementia caregiver interventions. Current pharmacological treatments for LBD are largely experimental, leaving families to manage severe behavioral and motor symptoms without adequate support. INTERVENTION: VOCALE LBD (Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences - Lewy Body Dementia) is a fully asynchronous, text-based online group intervention delivered via the Discourse platform. The 8-week program includes icebreaker activities followed by LBD-specific weekly topics (self-care, sleep problems, hallucinations and delusions) and problem-solving training using the ADAPT method (Adopting a positive attitude, Defining the problem, brainstorming Alternatives, Predicting consequences, Trying the solution). Groups of 10-15 caregivers are moderated by a licensed nurse or social worker (RN/LCSW), who logs in daily and facilitates discussions. The platform requires no video conferencing and is accessible via any internet-connected device. Loaner devices and digital literacy training are provided for participants who need them. STUDY DESIGN: Two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomized 1:1 to (a) VOCALE LBD or (b) Standard of Care (SOC: NIA psychoeducational materials, LBDA resource list, problem-solving handouts). Assessment time points: baseline, post-intervention (week 8), and 6-month follow-up. Exit interviews are conducted at the end of the intervention. AIMS: Aim 1 tests whether VOCALE LBD reduces depressive symptoms (CES-D) compared to SOC at week 8, with sustained effect at 6 months. Aim 2 examines mechanisms - whether self-efficacy and problem-solving mediate outcomes (2a quantitative mediation; 2b qualitative analysis). Aim 3 explores pragmatic monitoring using user engagement analytics, natural language processing, and LLM-assisted moderator support tools. RECRUITMENT: Nationwide recruitment through the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) via eblasts, social media, support groups, and print materials. Additional outreach via Alzheimer.gov and national LBD caregiver web resources.

Being tested
VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia, Standard of Care Educational Materials
Keywords
Lewy body disease, LBD, Family caregivers, Caregiver Depression, Online Intervention, Asynchronous, Digital Health, Peer Support, Problem-solving therapy, VOCALE, Telehealth, Dementia caregiver, ADAPT method, Discourse Platform
Medical subject headings
Caregiver Burden, Lewy Body Disease

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body DementiaBehavioural

    Also called VOCALE LBD, Virtual Online Community, Asynchronous Online Group Intervention

    The 8-week VOCALE LBD intervention is delivered asynchronously via the Discourse online platform. The weekly curriculum includes: Pre-intervention (Icebreakers, Self-introductions); Week 1 (Sleep Problems); Week 2 (Hallucinations and Delusions); Week 3 (ADAPT - Positive Attitude); Week 4 (ADAPT - Define the Problem); Week 5 (ADAPT - Alternative Solutions); Week 6 (ADAPT - Plan); Week 7 (ADAPT - Try); Week 8 (Reflection and Wrap Up).

  • Standard of Care Educational MaterialsOther

    NIA and LBDA psychoeducational materials on LBD and caregiving; LBDA resource list; problem-solving principles handout. Materials delivered via email or mail per participant preference.

Study groups in NCT07637097
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
VOCALE LBDExperimentalParticipants in this arm receive the VOCALE LBD intervention: an 8-week, fully asynchronous, text-based online group program delivered via the Discourse platform. Groups of 10-15 participants are facilitated by trained moderators who log in daily. Weekly discussion topics address LBD-specific caregiving challenges (sleep problems, hallucinations and delusions) and problem-solving skills training using the ADAPT method. Participants are asked to make a minimum of three posts each week (e.g., adding a post, replying to two other users).
Receives: Behavioral: VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia
Standard of CareActive comparatorNIA and LBDA psychoeducational materials on LBD and caregiving; LBDA resource list; problem-solving principles handout. Materials delivered via email.
Receives: Other: Standard of Care Educational Materials

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

    A self-report scale that evaluates the frequency of various depressive symptoms experienced in the past week, including negative mood, guilt and worthlessness, and physical symptoms associated with depression

    Measured: Baseline (pre-randomization), Post-intervention (Week 8), 6-month follow-up

Secondary outcomes (9)
  1. Short Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview

    12-item measure of caregiver burden covering personal strain and role strain. Higher scores = greater burden.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  2. UCLA Loneliness Scale

    3-item scale that measures subjective feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Higher scores = greater loneliness

    Measured: Baseline, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  3. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)

    Measures individuals' perceptions of stress. It assesses how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded respondents find their lives to be.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  4. Social Support Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Scale

    Measures emotional, tangible, affectionate, and positive social interaction. Higher scores = greater support.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 5 (mid-intervention), Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  5. Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R)

    Assesses problem-solving orientation and style. Used as mechanistic measure.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  6. General Self-Efficacy Scale

    10-item scale that assesses confidence in ability to cope with difficult demands and stressful life events.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  7. Caregiver Self-Efficacy

    Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale, 8-item version (CSES-8). Assesses caregivers' confidence in managing common caregiving challenges.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 8, 6-month follow-up

  8. User Engagement Scale (UES)

    Characterizes quality of users' interactions with the Discourse platform (focused attention, perceived usability, aesthetics, reward).

    Measured: Week 8

  9. Benefits of Participating Scale

    A study-specific self-report measure designed to assess participants' perceived benefits of participation in the intervention. Higher scores indicate greater perceived positive impact of study participation on caregiving knowledge, confidence, caregiving ability, and daily life.

    Measured: Week 8, 6-month follow-up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Jun 2026
  2. Study start1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Nov 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Nov 2030 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
220 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07637097
Sponsor's protocol ID
STUDY00024227
Other IDs
1R01MH139601-01A1
Acronym
VOCALE LBD
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
3 Jun 2026
Last updated
4 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data that underlie the results reported in publications (text, tables, figures, appendices) will be shared. Data will be made available 9 months following publication of the primary study results. Data will be deposited in an NIH-designated repository (e.g., NIMH Data Archive or ICPSR). Requests for data should include a data analysis plan and be submitted to the PI.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing VOCALE LBD: Virtual Online Communities for Aging Life Experiences: Lewy Body Dementia in people with Lewy Bodies Disease and Depression Disorder, run by University of Washington at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Aimy Paulsen, MPH ((253) 693-8329, vocale-lbd@uw.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (time frame: Baseline (pre-randomization), Post-intervention (Week 8), 6-month follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in