The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on depression in family caregivers of dementia patients: a meta-analysis and GRADE evaluation
Xi Zhang, Hongyan Wang, Xiaohui Wang, Jun Meng, Yanrong Yang, Chuang Zhang
Frontiers in Psychology May 12, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1821354 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 563 |
| Population | Family caregivers of dementia patients |
| Interventions | mindfulness meditation ACT |
| Duration | Interventions varied; follow-up at 3 and 6 months post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation Depression |
| Keywords | Dementia Family caregivers Depression economics Intervention counseling Randomized controlled trial Meta-analysis Clinical psychology Depressive symptoms Clinical trial Medline Caregiver burden |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms in family caregivers of dementia patients, with effects lasting up to 3 months but not at 6 months post-intervention. |
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).