About iSupport-PD
Why is this research important?
Changes to thinking and memory can be common symptoms for people with Parkinson’s. These symptoms may lead to people with Parkinson’s forgetting things, experiencing problems concentrating, or finding it difficult to make decisions.
Many people with Parkinson’s experiencing changes to thinking and memory will require support from an (unpaid) care partner, which is typically a family member, partner, or friend.
The caring role can be challenging, and care partners can neglect their own needs and health. Making sure care partners maintain good health and well-being is crucial for all individuals living with Parkinson’s.
What are the aims of the iSupport-PD Carers study?
The iSupport-PD study will adapt an online resource that will help care partners to understand changes in thinking and memory in the person they care for and what they can do to help. This will help care partners to feel confident dealing with any challenges when they arise. It will also give care partners some tools and advice to help them to care for themself.
The online resource has been developed by care partners of people with Parkinson’s, people with Parkinson’s, and a team of Parkinson’s experts using the most up-to-date research evidence.
Once developed, we will check that iSupport-PD is relevant and useful for these care partners. We will also test that our research procedures for a future evaluation are practical and achievable.
The research is planned to run from June 2023 to November 2025.
This study is funded by the NIHR Research Programme for Social Care (NIHR204259). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.