Enhancing Cognition in Older Persons with Depression or Anxiety with a Combination of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Results of a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Heather J. Brooks, H. Oughli, Lojine Y. Kamel, Subha Subramanian, Gwen Morgan, Daniel M. Blumberger, Jeanne Kloeckner, Sanjeev Kumar, Benoit H. Mulsant, Eric J Lenze, T. Rajji
Mindfulness October 5, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01764-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 26 |
| Population | Older adults with subjective cognitive complaints and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction transcranial direct current stimulation |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Registration | NCT03653351 NCT03680664 |
| Key findings | Combining MBSR with tDCS is feasible and safe, with the largest effect sizes for everyday mindfulness and social functioning, though not statistically significant. |
Abstract
Individuals with subjective memory complaints and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are at high risk for further cognitive decline, and possible progression to dementia. Low-burden interventions to help slow or prevent cognitive decline in this high-risk group are needed. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of combining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase putative benefits of MBSR for cognitive function and everyday mindfulness in depressed or anxious older adults with subjective cognitive decline. We conducted a two-site pilot double-blind randomized sham-controlled trial, combining active MBSR with either active or sham tDCS. The intervention included weekly in-class group sessions at the local university hospital and daily at-home practice. Anodal tDCS was applied for 30 min during MBSR meditative practice, both in-class and at-home. Twenty-six individuals with subjective cognitive complaints and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were randomized to active (n = 12) or sham tDCS (n = 14). The combination of MBSR and tDCS was safe and well tolerated, though at-home adherence and in-class attendance were variable. While they were not statistically significant, the largest effect sizes for active vs. sham tDCS were for everyday mindfulness (d = 0.6) and social functioning (d = 0.9) (F(1,21) = 3.68, p = 0.07 and F(1,21) = 3.9, p = 0.06, respectively). Our findings suggest that it is feasible and safe to combine tDCS with MBSR in older depressed and anxious adults, including during remote, at-home use. Furthermore, tDCS may enhance MBSR via transferring its meditative learning and practice into increases in everyday mindfulness. Future studies need to improve adherence to MBSR with tDCS. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03653351 and NCT03680664).
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- The influence of mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on the clinical efficacy and quality of life of patients with sarcopenia receiving haemodialysis: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies May 17, 2024
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of aging and health July 24, 2024
- Brief Interactive Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training with Real-Time Biofeedback for Anxiety Reduction: A Pilot Study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback June 4, 2025
- Mindfulness practices and transcranial direct current stimulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported mindfulness. Brain and Cognition May 27, 2025
- Using Electroencephalography to Advance Mindfulness Science: A Survey of Emerging Methods and Approaches. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging April 1, 2025
and 3 more in the library
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- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Older Adults With Stress Disorders and Neurocognitive Difficulties: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry July 2017
and 7 more in the library