The Tele-STELLA Study

Using technology to support care partners for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

A researcher from the STELLA study video-chats with a research participant

About Tele-STELLA

Based on the original “STAR-C” program, Tele-STELLA (Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias) addresses the difficult emotions and behaviors that come with dementia (both for persons with dementia and their family caregivers). A ‘family caregiver’ or ‘care partner’ is anyone who cares for a person with dementia. We define family as anyone you think of as ‘family,’ such as a relative, close friend, or partner. They do not have to be related by blood.

Tele-STELLA is a completely online study that helps educate and support family care partners by teaching methods to help manage the challenges caused by dementia. Our study includes 16 online sessions led by medical professional “Guides” who are trained research staff at the Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. These sessions occur over videoconference where care partners join via computer, phone, or other device in the comfort of their own home.

Care partners in our study also meet with other care partners in these sessions where thy can share their stories and experiences with each other and the Guides. The goal of our research is to see if Tele-STELLA helps in the family caregiving journey.

What to expect in Tele-STELLA

This study is for anyone who cares for a family member with dementia. Participation can take about 6 months to 1 year. If you participate, you will complete:

16 videoconference visits to learn how to manage challenging behaviors related to dementia. Each visit lasts about 1 hour.
- 4 visits - one-to-one with a professional Guide
- 4 visits - in small groups, with a professional Guide
- 8 visits - in a large group, with two professional Guides
Short (2-10 minutes) weekly surveys that ask questions about stress, mood and costs of care.
Six longer online surveys during the study period about mood, coping, and family member behaviors.
An optional focus group.