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

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Depression symptoms are common for older adults with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of relapse in recurrent depression and improves depression symptoms. We explored recruitment and retention success and preliminary effect sizes of MBCT on depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as mindfulness facets, in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Methods A difficulty with memory group (DG) and caregiver group (CG) were randomized into either the MBCT intervention or waitlist control. After serving as controls, participants received the intervention. Mean pre–post changes by group were compared and effect sizes computed. Correlations between mindfulness facets and depression symptoms are also presented. Results Only 47% of the initial participants completed the study. The intervention did not have an effect on the outcome variables examined. However, improvements in non‐judgmental scores were associated with reductions in the number of depression symptoms reported by DG participants (r = –0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.98, –0.52) and CG participants (r = –0.76, 95% CI: –0.95, –0.19). Furthermore, improvements in awareness scores (r = –0.69, 95% CI: –0.93, –0.05) and level of burden (r = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.97) also significantly correlated with reduced depression symptoms in the CG group. Conclusions By determining preliminary MBCT effect sizes in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers, research with larger, controlled samples is now justified to determine the true effects of MBCT in these populations.