The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on depression in family caregivers of dementia patients: a meta-analysis and GRADE evaluation

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 563 participants found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) improved depressive symptoms in family caregivers of dementia patients, with a moderate effect size. The benefit persisted at 3 months post-intervention but was not significant at 6 months. Subgroup analyses showed that 8-week MBSR, mindfulness meditation, and acceptance and commitment therapy were effective, while 10-week MBCT was not. The authors conclude that the format, duration, and follow-up timing of MBIs influence their effectiveness, and they recommend that clinicians select appropriate protocols and ensure continuity of care. The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MBI on depression among family caregivers of dementia patients, and to analyze the impact of intervention duration, follow-up period, and intervention methods on treatment outcomes. Methods Search Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases for randomized controlled trials on MBI for depression in family caregivers of dementia patients. The search period spans from the inception of each journal to November 10, 2025. Meta-analysis, Egger’s test, and sensitivity analysis were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 12.0 software. Results A total of 10 RCTs involving 563 participants were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that MBI effectively improved depressive symptoms among family caregivers of dementia patients (SMD = −0.66, 95% CI (−0.83, −0.49), Z = 7.57, p < 0.00001); Follow-up analysis indicated that the intervention remained effective at 3 months post-intervention (SMD = −0.32, 95% CI (−0.62, −0.03), Z = 2.13, p < 0.05), but no therapeutic effect was observed 6 months after the intervention (SMD = −0.89, 95% CI (−1.88, 0.09), Z = 1.78, p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that 8-week MBSR, mindfulness meditation, and ACT were effective (SMD = −0.62, 95% CI (−0.85, −0.39), Z = 5.24, p < 0.00001), while 10-week MBCT did not demonstrate efficacy (SMD = −0.69, 95% CI (−1.42, 0.03), Z = 1.88, p > 0.05). GRADE assessment indicated moderate certainty of the evidence. Conclusion MBI can improve depressive symptoms among family caregivers of dementia patients. The format of mindfulness, treatment duration, and follow-up timing influence the effectiveness of such interventions. Clinicians should prioritize selecting appropriate MBI protocols and formats, along with ensuring continuity of care and follow-up, to safeguard the sustained mental health of this vulnerable population. Systematic review registration This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251208383, registration date: November 10, 2025).