Integrative Stress Reduction Program for Family Caregivers of Persons With Advanced Dementia: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Older adults with advanced dementia require significant care, leading to high stress levels in caregivers. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of an Integrative Stress Reduction Program on Thai caregiver’s outcomes of stress, sleep quality, and caregiver-assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia. Methods: A single-blind randomized-controlled trial was conducted. A sample of family caregivers of people with dementia was recruited from memory clinics at outpatient community health centers in Thailand and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group were enrolled in 5 intervention sessions over 4 weeks, while the control group received usual care. Outcome variables were collected at baseline, 4 weeks postintervention, and 8 weeks of follow-up. Results: Compared with the control group, caregivers in the experimental group (n = 27) had significantly decreased stress ( p < .01) and better sleep quality ( p < .01), and caregivers reported that their family members with dementia (n = 27) had decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms ( p < .01) after the intervention (week 4) and at the 8-week follow-up. Conclusions: The Integrative Stress Reduction Program improved outcomes for caregivers and decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia.

The Effect of Tele-Savvy on Sleep Quality and Insomnia in Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia

“… 26 , 27 Knowing how to care for the PLwD and feeling less stressed could enhance caregivers' ability to fall asleep quicker and have less wake after sleep onset. 31 Moreover, Tele-Savvy focuses on self-care and discusses relaxation and yoga meditation, practices that have been shown to improve sleep in many studies. 55–57 Practicing relaxation techniques during the day or before bed could have reduced caregivers’ stress level thus making it more conducive to sleep better.…”

“…26,27 Tele-Savvy may still have considerable relevance for sleep disturbance in PLwD as it reduced caregiver stress and depressive symptoms and improved caregiver self-care. 26,[28][29][30][31][32] Since stress and depressive symptoms are associated with poor sleep outcomes. 4,31,[33][34][35][36][37] and acts of self-care such as meditation and relaxation are related to having better sleep, [38][39][40] it is feasible to posit that a reduction in stress and depressive symptoms with enhanced self-care may improve sleep.…”

“…26,[28][29][30][31][32] Since stress and depressive symptoms are associated with poor sleep outcomes. 4,31,[33][34][35][36][37] and acts of self-care such as meditation and relaxation are related to having better sleep, [38][39][40] it is feasible to posit that a reduction in stress and depressive symptoms with enhanced self-care may improve sleep. In this paper, we examine the effect of Tele-Savvy on caregivers' sleep quality and insomnia symptoms.…”