Supporting Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia Caregivers through PERSEVERE: A New National Study Now Open for Enrollment
We’re excited to announce the launch of PERSEVERE, a national study aimed at supporting and educating family caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and related conditions. This virtual program, now open for enrollment, offers caregivers guidance to navigate the challenges of caring for loved ones with cognitive impairments.
PERSEVERE focuses on caregivers of those with Parkinson's Disease Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia, including individuals experiencing early cognitive changes or mild hallucinations. We’re particularly seeking to involve underrepresented caregivers, such as those from rural areas, men, caregivers of color, LGBTQ+, and gender diverse caregivers.
Caregiving is challenging, and PERSEVERE offers real, practical support. Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, help us spread the word and support those caring for loved ones with these conditions.
What Does PERSEVERE Offer?
PERSEVERE is a national study funded by the National Institutes of Health, led by Dr. Jori Fleisher at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, which is testing an educational program for family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s Disease with cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia. PERSEVERE will test whether a disease-specific, caregiver-centered educational intervention improves caregiver knowledge, confidence, strain, and health outcomes – and whether it helps people living with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia, too.
Family caregivers will receive weekly educational guidance through a 12-week curriculum with resources and activities. All participation is virtual and scheduled when it works for you. There are no in-person visits and the person with Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia does not participate—just caregivers. Caregivers fill out online surveys and assessments at baseline and every two weeks throughout their involvement in the study, including a six-month follow-up period after the 12-week curriculum.
Interested in learning more?
Visit https://redcap.link/PERSEVERE1 to watch a video providing more information about the study and hear testimonials from prior PERSEVERE study participants. Email persevere@rush.edu with questions.
Help spread the word!
Do you know someone who might be interested? Please share this research opportunity with your community. The PERSEVERE curriculum has been designed by and for caregivers across the caregiving journey, including those who were past caregivers.
Curious to see if you are eligible? Complete the pre-screening survey at https://redcap.link/PERSEVERE1.
For more information, contact the PERSEVERE Study Team at Rush University Medical Center
Email: persevere@rush.edu
Phone: (312) 563-3300, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Central time