A Yoga and Compassion Meditation Program Reduces Stress in Familial Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
M. A. D. Danucalov, Elisa H. Kozasa, K. T. Ribas, J. C. F. Galduróz, M. C. Garcia, I. T. N. Verreschi, K. C. Oliveira, L. Romani de Oliveira, José R Leite
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 DOI: 10.1155/2013/513149 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Familial caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease |
| Intervention | yoga and compassion meditation program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 80 |
| Key findings | An 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program reduced perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol in familial caregivers. |
Abstract
Familial caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit reduced quality of life and increased stress levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program on the perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in familial caregivers. A total of 46 volunteers were randomly assigned to participate in a stress-reduction program for a 2-month period (yoga and compassion meditation program-YCMP group) (n = 25) or an untreated group for the same period of time (control group) (n = 21). The levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and morning salivary cortisol of the participants were measured before and after intervention. The groups were initially homogeneous; however, after intervention, the groups diverged significantly. The YCMP group exhibited a reduction of the stress (P < 0.05), anxiety (P < 0.000001), and depression (P < 0.00001) levels, as well as a reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program may offer an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol in familial caregivers.