Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Pre-symptomatic Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia: A Pilot Study.
Jackie M Poos, Esther Van den Berg, Janne M Papma, Fleur C Van der Tholen, Harro Seelaar, Laura Donker Kaat, J Anneke Kievit, Aad Tibben, John C Van Swieten, Lize C Jiskoot
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.864391 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study (pre-post with 2-month follow-up) Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) mutation carriers and first-degree family members at 50% risk for FTD |
| Intervention | Online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week course, with post-intervention and 2-month follow-up assessments |
| Measures | Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), Utrecht Coping List (UCL), SF-36, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Frontotemporal dementia ftd Presymptomatic |
| Key points | An 8-week online MBSR course was followed by significant declines in anxiety on the HADS-A both post-intervention and at 2 months (p = 0.01), with 54% and 62% of participants showing clinically significant individual change, and a significant decline in depression on the HADS-D at 2 months (p = 0.04), driven by 23% of participants. The authors indicate MBSR is feasible in this population and that a randomized controlled trial is needed to replicate the results. |
Abstract
Pre-symptomatic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) mutation carriers and first-degree family members that are 50% at-risk for FTD may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of the ambiguity of when or if symptoms of the disease will manifest. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the use of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) mutation carriers and individuals 50% at-risk. Seven known mutation carriers and six individuals 50% at-risk completed a standardized 8-week MBSR course, and filled out pre- and post and two-month follow-up questionnaires. The primary outcome measure was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Measures of psychological distress (SCL-90-R), coping style (UCL), quality of life (SF-36) and mindfulness skills (FFMQ) were administered as secondary outcome. Group effects were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman's test, and the individual reliability change index (RCI) was calculated per participant for each outcome measure. Semi-quantitative data included an evaluation and process measure post-intervention. Significant decline was found on the HADS-A post-intervention and after 2 months (p = 0.01), with 54% and 62% of participants demonstrating a clinically significant RCI, respectively. On the HADS-D, significant decline was found 2 months post-intervention (p = 0.04), which was driven by 23% of participants whom had a clinically significant RCI. Additional changes were found between baseline and post-intervention on the seeking distraction and reassuring thoughts subscales of the UCL, the depression and interpersonal sensitivity subscales of the SCL, the observe subscale of the FFMQ, and on physical role limitations of the SF-36 (all p < 0.05). The process evaluation form indicated that the course was found beneficial by participants, and that they applied it in a wide range of everyday situations. This exploratory pilot study indicates the feasibility of MBSR in reducing anxiety and depression in presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers and 50% at-risk individuals. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to replicate these results.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Impact of mindfulness training on depression and walking ability in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans and depression World Journal of Psychiatry August 19, 2026
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with reminiscence therapy: a non-pharmacological approach for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience April 20, 2026
- A Mixed-Methods Narrative Review of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Mechanism-Level Studies of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in People with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Mindfulness April 1, 2026
- Eliciting brain waves of people with cognitive impairment during meditation exercises using portable electroencephalography in a smart-home environment: a pilot study Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience May 30, 2023
Cites 11
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- A qualitative analysis of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in Parkinson's disease Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice October 20, 2009
- Experiences of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Premanifest Huntington’s Disease Journal of Huntington's Disease February 20, 2021
- Systematic review of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction via group videoconferencing: Feasibility, acceptability, safety, and efficacy. Journal of psychotherapy integration September 14, 2020
- Optimising mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis. Chronic illness June 2018
and 6 more in the library