Testing an AI virtual care assistant for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's-related dementia
Tests an AI care assistant for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's dementia.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: VICA: A Virtual Care Assistant for Dementia Caregivers
Key facts
- Where
- Indianapolis, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Eskanazi HealthIndianapolis, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Indiana University
- Trial code
- NCT07779785
- Record updated
- 26 October 2026
- Original description
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of VICA, an AI-powered virtual care assistant that delivers evidence-based education, symptom monitoring, and coaching to informal caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Sixty caregiver-patient dyads will be randomized 1:1 to VICA or an attention-control education app (Dementia Guide Expert) for 3 months. The study will assess recruitment, VICA acceptance/usability, and engagement (Aim 1), and estimate effect sizes for reducing patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and caregiver distress (Aim 2).Read full original descriptionShow less
Virtual Informal Care Assistant for Alzheimer'S-related Dementia (VICA): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of VICA, an AI-powered virtual care assistant that delivers evidence-based education, symptom monitoring, and coaching to informal caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Sixty caregiver-patient dyads will be randomized 1:1 to VICA or an attention-control education app (Dementia Guide Expert) for 3 months. The study will assess recruitment, VICA acceptance/usability, and engagement (Aim 1), and estimate effect sizes for reducing patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and caregiver distress (Aim 2).
Inclusion: Age ≥ 65 years; Community-dwelling; Diagnosed with ADRD; Clinical notes indicate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) Inclusion Criteria: Informal Caregiver; Age ≥ 21 years; Self-identified informal caregiver of a community-dwelling patient diagnosed with ADRD; Provides ≥ 10 hours/week of care to the patient with ADRD; Regular access to a computer and/or smart device with internet; English-literate; assessed as "adequate" on the Single Item Literacy Screener.
Exclusion: Clinician-reported cognitive impairment; Clinician-reported severe mental illness or substance use disorder; Life expectancy less than 6 months; Clinician-reported life expectancy of less than 6 months; Unable to provide informed consent.