The efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy to improve depression symptoms and quality of life in individuals with memory difficulties and caregivers: A short report
Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions December 27, 2022 Lana J. Ozen, Sacha Dubois, Megan M. English et al.
A randomized trial tested mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for older adults with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Only 47% of participants completed the study, and the intervention did not significantly affect depression, anxiety, or mindfulness outcomes. However, improvements in non-judgmental awareness were associated with fewer depression symptoms in both groups (r = -0.90 for the memory-difficulty group; r = -0.76 for caregivers). Among caregivers, increased awareness and lower burden also correlated with reduced depression. The authors conclude that larger controlled trials are needed to determine MBCT's true effects in these populations.