CIRCA Study

Observational Study

Get in touch about this study

Full study title: CIRCA: A Canadian Version of the Computer Interactive Reminiscing and Conversation Aid

 

What is the study about?

The goal of this study is to develop and test a computer program to aid conversation. The Computer Interactive Reminiscing and Conversation Aid (CIRCA) is an ‘electronic scrapbook’ with generic photos, music, and videos (e.g., famous singers and popular buildings). It was developed to spark meaningful conversation between caregivers and people with dementia. CIRCA is currently designed for people with dementia in the UK, Sweden, and British Columbia. A version with broad Canadian-relevant content needs to be developed and tested so Canadians can benefit from CIRCA. This study aims to develop and test the Canadian version of CIRCA.

 

Eligibility – Who can participate?

Pairs of people consisting of a person living with dementia and their caregiver living in the same household.

Participants must:

  • Live in Ontario, Canada (within a two-hour drive from Toronto, Ontario)
  • Speak and understand English
  • Agree to be video and audio recorded as part of the study

 

Time requirement

This study will take approximately 5 weeks to complete, and will include the following:

  • Memory test, with questions involving recalling words, repeating numbers, etc. This should take about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Demographic questionnaire, including the collection of sex, date of birth, and previous experience with touchscreen technology. This should take about 5 minutes to complete.
  • Testing CIRCA. You will be asked to use CIRCA at home with a friend/family caregiver weekly for four (4) weeks for as little/often as you and your caregiver choose. In the sessions, caregivers will show the contents (e.g., music, videos, photos) within CIRCA and facilitate conversations about what is presented on the screen (e.g., famous buildings).
  • Caregiver Interview. At the end of the study, you will be invited to participate in a 30-minute interview about your experiences using CIRCA. Even if you do not use CIRCA with the person with dementia during the study, you can still participate in the interview. The interview will be audio-recorded.

 

TDRA study investigator

Dr. Arlene Astell

 

Video

Advances in Dementia Research Webinar- Listen to Dr. Arlene Astelle (Principal Investigator) discuss the CIRCA study in further detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK-T7Sw21tE

TDRA Site:

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Age Group:

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Disclaimer

The listing of a study on the Toronto Dementia Network (TDN) is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and four memory clinics across Toronto at Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).