Mindfulness-Based Intervention for People With Dementia and Their Partners: Results of a Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Objective Studies have shown preliminary support for mindfulness-based interventions benefitting people with dementia and their caregivers. However, most studies focus on these two groups separately. This study examined whether it would be possible and beneficial for people with dementia and their caregiver to jointly undergo an adjusted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training, named TANDEM. Methods The 8-week MBSR training was adjusted based on a literature review and interviews with experts (clinicians and mindfulness trainers). Seven couples (a person with early-stage dementia and their caregiver) participated together in the 8-week TANDEM program. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted after completion. Questionnaires (administered before and after the intervention) assessed the primary outcomes of quality of life and psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms). Secondary outcomes were mindfulness, self-compassion, positive mental health, worrying, and perceived burden (for caregivers). Results All participants completed the program and reported beneficial effects (relaxation, awareness, acceptance, and resilience). Most managed to integrate exercises into their daily lives and planned to continue their practice. Participating in a group was considered valuable and supportive. Furthermore, it was appreciated that participants could follow the training together (as a couple). The quantitative results showed a small effect on increased quality of life for caregivers. No substantial decrease in psychological distress was apparent. Caregivers displayed a large increase in mindfulness. Conclusion The results of this mixed-methods study suggest that an adjusted mindfulness program is feasible and well-received among couples of persons with early-stage dementia and their caregiver, warranting further research in this area.

Mindfulness in Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Most of them were women caregivers of persons with dementia. The mean sample age varied from 46, specifically, in the study by Franco et al [30] and 70 in the study done by Berk et al [15]. The time employed in the mindfulness-based interventions varied from one study to another.…”

“…For example, for depression, the study which showed the least effect was the one by Waelde and Gallagher-Thompson [23] on anxiety, the intervention by Whitebird et al [17] and for perceived stress, the study by Oken et al [33]. For caregiver burden, it was the study by Berk et al [15], and, finally, for the sleep quality variable, it was the work by Oken et al [33]. However, the results of the meta-analysis by subgroup showed that the interventions had a significant (p ≤ 0.00001) effect, with an SMD at a Confidence Interval (CI) of 95% = 0.71 (0.52, 0.89).…”

“…Inspection of the point distribution in the figure shows how each of the variables (depression, anxiety, perceived stress, caregiver burden and sleep quality) has a low risk of bias. caregiver burden, it was the study by Berk et al [15], and, finally, for the sleep quality variable, it was the work by Oken et al [33]. However, the results of the meta-analysis by subgroup showed that the interventions had a significant (p ≤ 0.00001) effect, with an SMD at a Confidence Interval (CI) of 95% = 0.71 (0.52, 0.89).…”

“…These therapies originate from a positive focus on health, understood as the capacity for adaptation and self-management of social, physical and emotional challenges [15]. They include mindfulness, which involves becoming aware of and paying attention to the purpose of the present moment, nonjudgmentally, accepting things the way they are [16].…”

Developing an intervention course to promote students’ well-being and studying in university context

“…This written, encouraging feedback from peers is used to enhance the learning of both the reviewers and the authors, to deepen their thinking, and to foster their reflection [56,64]. In addition, shared experiences with peers give emotional support and can have multiple positive effects on well-being [55,94]. For this reason, we implemented group work and discussion to the course.…”