Cognitive impairment is common among cancer survivors and harms quality of life. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized and 7 non-randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness interventions significantly improved patients' subjective cognitive function immediately after the intervention (between-group standardized mean difference 0.81, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.03; within-group 1.12, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.52) and at follow-up (between-group 0.39, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.68; within-group 0.59, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.82). Larger effects appeared in developing versus developed countries and for interventions without additional home practice in within-group comparisons. No significant effects were found on objective cognitive function.
A digital mindfulness-based intervention for prenatal insomnia reduced insomnia symptoms in pregnant women with subthreshold to clinical insomnia. In a randomized trial with 160 women, those receiving the six-week digital program plus standard care showed greater improvement in insomnia symptoms immediately after the intervention and in the third trimester compared to standard care alone, with a moderate effect size. Benefits were not sustained at 42 days postpartum. The intervention also increased the likelihood of insomnia remission by the third trimester. Changes in sleep-specific worry and presleep arousal mediated the effect. Most secondary outcomes, including sleep quality and mood, did not differ significantly between groups.
An 8-week smartphone-based mindfulness training program during pregnancy reduced depression symptoms and improved anxiety and positive affect compared to an attention control group. Among 168 pregnant women at risk of perinatal depression, those in the mindfulness group showed a lower risk of positive depressive symptoms (EPDS score >9) postintervention (odds ratio 0.391) and higher depression symptom remission. Medium effect sizes were observed for depression and positive affect at postintervention and for anxiety in late pregnancy. Nulliparous women appeared to benefit more from the training. The overall dropout rate was 34.5%, with 52.4% completing the intervention.