Abstract Introduction Mindfulness meditation (MM) apps have gained popularity as a tool for promoting sleep. However, little is known, about the use of MM apps specifically at bedtime, or the efficacy and mechanisms of such practice on insomnia symptom severity and pre-sleep arousal. Methods In Phase 1, we conducted a mixed-methods single-arm pilot study to explore the feasibility of 4 weeks of...
Background: Chronic benzodiazepine use remains common among older adults, despite limited evidence of benefit and substantial risks. Evidence-based approaches that are feasible in primary care settings are needed to support benzodiazepine deprescribing for older adults. Objectives: To determine the feasibility, acceptability, and exploratory patient-centered outcomes of a team-based approach to...
Despite the dramatic growth in the number of clinical trials of meditation and/or mindfulness-based interventions (MMBIs), most trials focus on self-reported or psychological outcomes, less is known about the potential neuroplastic effects of MMBI practice and benefits for brain health. In this review, we aimed to map the extent and nature of existing research on this topic, identify...
Benzodiazepines are potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, and deprescribing interventions are needed. We describe the development of a psychologist‐led, mindfulness‐informed cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention to pair with pharmacist‐led tapering to support benzodiazepine deprescribing in older adults. Based on previous research, we first developed an intervention...
While mindfulness meditation (MM) apps have gained popularity as a tool for promoting sleep, research focusing on bedtime mindfulness practice and app usage is limited. As the first step toward understanding the efficacy and mechanisms of such bedtime practice and to inform future investigations, the goal of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of app-guided bedtime MM practice with...
You know you are starting to get old when what you learned at university is already considered obsolete and disproven.During my psychology studies, I learned that personality traits were set (by nature, nurture, or both?) and are largely unchangeable.This is no longer tenable today; experiences, adventures, but also mind-body training have a greater influence on who we are than traditional...
Peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) performed under procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) can be associated with anxiety and poor compliance with patient instructions during surgery. Mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as meditation have demonstrated the potential to decrease perioperative anxiety, though this area is understudied, and no tailored interventions have been developed for...
Following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), up to 40% of patients report elevated depressive symptoms which is associated with a two-fold increase in mortality risk due to behavioral and biological mechanisms. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) delivered via synchronous group videoconferencing could help reduce depressive symptoms. To guide MBCT adaptation for ACS patients for a future...
Introduction: The past several years have witnessed a significant increase in interest among the public in mindfulness with an unmistakable growth in the scientific literature investigating mindfulness-based therapies. A myriad of therapeutic uses of mindfulness have been studied. Given this burgeoning interest, the authors' objective was to conduct a broad-sweeping bibliometric analysis over...
Background: Cardiac surgical procedures are associated with postoperative neurological complications such as cognitive decline and delirium, which can complicate recovery and impair quality of life. Perioperative depression and anxiety may be associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgeries. Surgical prehabilitation is an emerging concept that includes preoperative interventions to...
Background/objective: High levels of chronic stress negatively impact the hippocampus and are associated with increased incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. While mindfulness meditation may mitigate the effects of chronic stress, it is uncertain if adults with MCI have the capacity to learn mindfulness meditation. Methods: 14 adults with MCI were randomized 2:1...
Increased attention has focused on methods to increase empathy, compassion, and pro-social behavior. Meditation practices have traditionally been used to cultivate pro-social outcomes, and recently investigations have sought to evaluate their efficacy for these outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of meditation for pro-social emotions and behavior. A literature search...
Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a novel mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) designed to control weight after bariatric surgery. Design: Randomized, controlled pilot trial. Setting: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. Interventions: Bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery (n=18) were randomized to receive a 10-week MBI or a standard intervention. Main...
Those with high baseline stress levels are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). While meditation may reduce stress and alter the hippocampus and default mode network (DMN), little is known about its impact in these populations. Our objective was to conduct a "proof of concept" trial to determine whether Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)...
BACKGROUND: The reduction in adrenergic activity and anxiety associated with meditation may be beneficial for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the feasibility of a phone-delivered mindfulness intervention in patients with defibrillators and to obtain preliminary indications of efficacy on mindfulness and anxiety. METHODS: Clinically...
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) would improve functional connectivity of the DMN and reduce hippocampal atrophy among adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Background. Meditation practices are associated with a reduction in adrenergic activity that may benefit patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias. This paper describes the design and methods of a pilot study testing the feasibility of a phone-delivered mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for treatment of anxiety in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Design and...