This Phase I study will test the efficacy of the Tailored Activity Program (TAP-VA), a patient-centric intervention designed to reduce the burden of neuropsychiatric symptoms in veterans with dementia who live at home with family caregivers. An occupational therapist will conduct an assessment to identify a veteran's preserved capabilities and deficits, as well as previous roles, habits, and interests, then develop activities tailored to the veteran's profile. Family caregivers will be trained to incorporate these activities into daily care routines. The study involves eight sessions during 4 months in veterans' homes.

Findings from a pilot study of TAP-VA showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in neuropsychiatric symptoms, specifically agitation and, for caregivers, less time being "on duty." We plan to test TAP-VA in racially and ethnically diverse veterans with dementia and their family caregivers. Pairs will be randomly assigned to receive TAP-VA or an attention control group. They will be evaluated to determine any long-term treatment effects, including continued activity use, caregiver well-being, and costs.