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Online mindfulness meditation for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: A feasibility study protocol
Jiuhong You1, Zunera Khan1,2, Reena Swaroop1
1Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Introduction:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and mild dementia. Patients with MCI and dementia usually experience impairment in cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, and processing speed. They may also develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. While previous studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may benefit this population, the feasibility of delivering such interventions online remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an eight-week, online-delivered mindfulness program for people with MCI and mild dementia.
Methods:
This study will recruit 32 participants over 60 years old with MCI or mild dementia in the UK. Participants will attend a weekly live online mindfulness meditation session, led by an experienced mindfulness teacher for eight weeks. Each session lasts 2.5 hours. In addition, participants will be encouraged to do daily home practice. The primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability of an online program, assessed through participation records and semi-structured interviews. Secondary outcomes include participants' changes in cognitive function, mood, sleep, quality of life, mindfulness, and resilience.
Discussion:
Mindfulness meditation delivered online could help reduce travel burdens and overall costs. This study aims to assess the usability and potential effects of online-delivered programs for this population, providing evidence to support the use of remote interventions in the care of older adults with cognitive impairments.
Study Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06768450.
Insights
This study assessed an online mindfulness program for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia. Results will inform the feasibility of remote interventions for cognitive health in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia affect cognitive functions and may present with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Online mindfulness programs show potential but their feasibility for this population is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an eight-week, online-delivered mindfulness program for individuals with MCI and mild dementia.
- To explore the potential benefits of remote mindfulness interventions for older adults with cognitive impairments.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 32 participants over 60 years old with MCI or mild dementia in the UK.
- Participants attended weekly 2.5-hour live online mindfulness sessions for eight weeks, with encouragement for daily home practice.
- Feasibility and acceptability were primary outcomes, assessed via participation records and interviews. Secondary outcomes included changes in cognition, mood, sleep, quality of life, mindfulness, and resilience.
Main Results:
- N/A
Conclusions:
- Online mindfulness meditation may reduce travel burdens and costs for individuals with MCI and dementia.
- This study provides evidence for the usability and potential effects of remote interventions in managing cognitive decline in older adults.
