Could matching daily choices cut dementia agitation?

NCT ID NCT03577418

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Mclean Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a structured conversation between people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners can reduce difficult symptoms like agitation and depression. The idea is that when care partners better understand the person's everyday preferences, unmet needs decrease, leading to fewer behavioral issues. The trial involves 20 pairs of participants and uses a clinician-facilitated tool to align their views.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Templated, clinician-facilitated intervention to align everyday living preferences
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a safe, non-drug way to reduce distressing symptoms like agitation and depression in people with dementia.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 20 pairs of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention may not reduce symptoms as hoped.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEMENTIA MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

McLean Hospital

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States

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