A mindfulness-based multicomponent caregiver intervention (PAACC): objectives, study design, and cohort description.
Mamta Sapra, Lauren Hagemann, Katherine Luci, Jyoti Savla
Alzheimer's & Dementia 2025 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.70064 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 133 |
| Population | Family caregivers of veterans with dementia |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Dementia Family caregiver Intervention |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | At baseline, caregivers assigned to the PAACC mindfulness-based intervention reported higher depressive symptoms and anxiety and lower mindfulness receptivity compared to those assigned to the REACH cognitive behavioral intervention. |
Abstract
Effective interventions are needed to reduce caregiver burden and stress, particularly among family caregivers of veterans with dementia. Unique risk factors such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) further complicate caregiving. This study compares a four-session mindfulness-based multicomponent intervention (PAACC) with a cognitive behavioral intervention (REACH), both designed to alleviate caregiver burden, and provides a baseline evaluation of caregivers in the intervention. A two-arm, blinded, randomized controlled trial assigned 133 dementia caregivers to PAACC (n = 67) or REACH (n = 66). Baseline assessments included caregiver stress, burden, mindfulness receptivity, rumination, compassion, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and care recipient behavior. Participants averaged 67.17 years, 85% were women, and 70% were spousal caregivers. Caregivers in PAACC reported higher depressive symptoms and anxiety and lower mindfulness receptivity. This study introduces the first mindfulness-based intervention for veteran caregivers, designed to enhance cognitive flexibility, cultivate compassion, and provide practical skills to improve quality of life. The study utilized a two-arm, blinded, prospective randomized controlled trial to compare the PAACC and REACH interventions. A total of 133 dementia caregivers experiencing moderate to severe caregiver burden were assigned to receive either the PAACC intervention (n = 67) or the REACH intervention (n = 66). Baseline evaluations included caregiver stress, burden, mindfulness receptivity, rumination, compassion, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and the memory and behavior problems of the veteran living with dementia, using widely accepted measures from caregiving literature. Baseline assessments were conducted on 133 family caregivers of veterans living with dementia. The average caregiver age was 67.17 years (SD = 9.8), 85% were women, and 70% were spousal caregivers. No significant demographic differences were found between the two intervention groups. However, baseline comparisons showed that caregivers in the PAACC intervention reported higher depressive symptoms and anxiety, and lower mindfulness receptivity. A detailed protocol for the mindfulness-based multicomponent caregiver intervention PAACC is described. There is a growing need for multicomponent, skill-building interventions tailored for dementia caregivers who are at high risk of stress. This study introduces the first mindfulness-based intervention specifically for caregivers of veterans, designed to enhance cognitive flexibility, cultivate compassion, and equip caregivers with practical skills to improve their quality of life. PAACC is a mindfulness-based multicomponent intervention for dementia caregivers of veterans.No demographic differences suggest psychological differences are not due to demographics.Baseline mental health and mindfulness readiness may impact intervention effectiveness.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition Choice Reviews Online July 1, 2005
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions for Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Meta-Analysis The Gerontologist March 2, 2018
- Mindfulness training for psychological stress in family caregivers of persons with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Clinical Interventions in Aging September 1, 2017
and 1 more in the library