Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41843801›Full record

ArticleJMIR research protocols2026

The TBI-AD/ADRD Caregiver Support Intervention (TACSI): Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of a Remote Intervention for Family Caregivers.

Samantha Ostenso, Robyn W Birkeland, Elizabeth Albers, Katie W Louwagie, Allison Iwan, Sherry S Chesak, Joseph E Gaugler

Abstract readClinical Trial Protocol
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR research protocols, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Samantha OstensoFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0009-0000-7845-7017
Robyn W BirkelandFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0000-0001-6093-046X
Elizabeth AlbersFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0000-0001-6244-406X
Katie W LouwagieFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0000-0002-4933-0145
Allison IwanFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0000-0002-3244-9203
Sherry S ChesakSchool of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.ORCID 0000-0001-8126-4486
Joseph E GauglerFamilies and Long Term Care, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, D351 Mayo, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States, 1 9522618286.ORCID 0000-0003-4797-485X

Funding

Department of Defense W81XWH2110726
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Across the United States, there are millions of informal (ie, unpaid) caregivers helping individuals with Alzheimer Disease/Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or both. TBI is a risk factor for developing, and often co-occurs with, AD/ADRD. In the next decade, more informal caregivers will have to navigate the complexities of the dual diagnosis of TBI and AD/ADRD. Currently, there is a paucity of interventions for caregivers dealing with this dual diagnosis. Our team designed the TBI-AD/ADRD caregiver support intervention (TACSI) as a support program to meet the needs of those providing care to individuals with dual diagnoses of TBI and AD/ADRD. Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the preliminary efficacy and successful implementation of TACSI, a 6-session semistructured psychosocial and psychoeducational program, over a 6-month period. Methods: This pilot RCT uses an embedded mixed methods randomized controlled evaluation. Caregivers of individuals with a dual diagnosis of AD/ADRD and a history of TBI are randomly assigned to the TACSI (n=41) or a usual care control condition (n=39). Primary outcomes include perceived burden, caregiver relationship satisfaction, and caregiving mastery. Secondary outcomes include caregiver self-efficacy, well-being, and personal resources. Qualitative elements (up to 20 semistructured interviews at the conclusion of the 6-month evaluation and an open-response item at follow-up surveys) allow for better interpretation of quantitative results and understanding of TACSI's mechanisms of benefit. Results: Recruitment for the study was completed in October 2024. Survey collection and intervention were completed in June 2025. Data analysis will follow. Conclusions: Having a dual diagnosis of AD/ADRD and a history of TBI is relatively common. However, there are currently no caregiver support interventions specific to this dual diagnosis. It is important to support these caregivers as they encounter the unique challenges of managing TBI and AD/ADRD. This pilot RCT will help determine if the TACSI program can help to increase caregiving skills and strategies and provide support to improve mood and reduce stress for caregivers of individuals with AD/ADRD and a history of TBI, and also determine if it is feasible to proceed to a full-scale RCT.

Indexed as

Alzheimer DiseaseBrain Injuries, TraumaticCaregiversFemaleHumansPilot ProjectsRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicSocial Supportcaregiverdementiamixed methodssupporttraumatic brain injury

Identifiers

PMID41843801
PMCPMC12994761

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.