Staying Connected through Communication- Online Survey

The Staying Connected through Communication Study is a survey for people who have noticed a change in their thinking and memory and are concerned about, or have a diagnosis of early stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study also includes family members and/or friends of people with MCI or dementia.

The purpose of this study is to develop resources and tools that can help people experiencing changes in thinking and memory related to MCI and/or dementia stay connected with friends and loved ones through their communication and interactions. To do that, researchers need to hear about the experiences of people who have been diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, or who are experiencing changes in their thinking and memory and are worried about these conditions. Your experiences can help others with these symptoms in the future. 

UW researchers also want to hear from family and friends of people with MCI or dementia about how they communicate with their loved one with memory and cognitive changes. By gathering insights from both sides, researchers hope to help healthcare providers better support patients and their loved ones in staying connected despite changes in memory and thinking abilities.

If you qualify to participate, the study team will ask the person with MCI or early dementia to join a one-time session with a research assistant via Zoom or by phone. During the session, you will answer questions about your communication experiences. These are opinion questions. The study team may also ask you to nominate one at least one family member or friend to complete a separate survey online. If you prefer, surveys can be mailed directly to you.