Purpose
This study aims to adapt the patient-centric specialized interdisciplinary care model, the Neuromedicine Service and Science Hub model, into a Lewy body dementia (LBD) telehealth model. The overarching goal of this study is to improve patient and caregiver health outcomes by increasing access to specialty care for individuals with LBD and their caregivers. The objective of the study is to convert this in-person patient-centric interdisciplinary care model to a virtual platform using stakeholder engagement.
Eligibility
To participate, you must be:
- A person diagnosed with LBD and care partner willing to participate together
- Diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia
- Have internet access with Zoom
- Fluent in English
Procedures
Pairs will be randomly selected to be part of either the “telemedicine” or “usual care” group.
If you are assigned to the telemedicine group, you will have research visits with the neurologist, speech therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist and nutritionist at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. You will also see PT and OT every 2 weeks for maintenance rehabilitation.
If you are assigned to the “usual care” group, you will continue with your usual care and have research visits with the team including neurologist, speech therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist and nutritionist at baseline and 6 months .
All participants will be offered an opportunity to wear an Apple watch for 30 days at the beginning and at the end of the study. This is optional when watches are available.
Contact Information
Noheli Bedenfield, MHA
Noheli.Bedenfield@neurology.ufl.edu
352-733-2419
Study Information Flyer
Principal Investigator
Bhavana Patel, DO