Mindfulness-based stress reduction in middle-aged and older adults with memory complaints: a mixed-methods study.
Lotte Berk, Rafke Hotterbeekx, Jim van Os, Martin P.j. van Boxtel
Aging & Mental Health September 2018 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1347142 (opens in new tab)
The journal has published a correction to this paper. Read the correction (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Patients of a university hospital memory clinic, aged 45-85 years, with memory complaints but no diagnosis of cognitive disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week program; questionnaires administered before, one week after, and five weeks after the intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Memory Mixed-methods Older adults |
| Key points | The authors report that a standard 8-week MBSR program was feasible and well received among older adults with memory complaints. Qualitative interviews showed positive effects such as increased serenity, with many participants worrying less about their memory complaints, and self-reported questionnaire measures were in line with these qualitative results. |
Abstract
In a rapidly aging world population, an increasingly large group faces age-related decline in cognitive functioning. Cognitive complaints of older adults are often related to worries and concerns associated with age-related functional decline. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can successfully target stress, worry and ruminative thinking, but the applicability of this method in middle-aged and older adults with memory complaints is unclear. Patients of a university hospital memory clinic (n = 13), aged 45-85 years, with memory complaints but no diagnosis of cognitive disorder, participated in a standard 8-week MBSR program, consisting of weekly group meetings and a one-day silent retreat. After completion, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Questionnaires (administered before, one week after and five weeks after the intervention) assessed quality of life, psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms), mindfulness, self-compassion, and subjective memory functioning. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed online, before and after the intervention. The qualitative analysis showed positive effects of the training (e.g. increased serenity), many participants worrying less about memory complaints. The self-reported measures were in line with the results of the qualitative analysis. This exploratory mixed-methods study suggests that MBSR is feasible and well received among older individuals with cognitive complaints.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Mindfulness Training for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers: Rationale, Current Research, and Future Directions Frontiers in Psychology June 13, 2018
- The effect of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction program on the level of perceived stress and geriatric depression in older adults: a randomised controlled study Psychogeriatrics January 3, 2023
- Cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a web-based mindfulness intervention in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an open study. BMC Geriatrics February 14, 2024
- Effects of mindfulness training on quality of life and well-being in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Aging & Mental Health April 12, 2025
- Meditation and Cognitive Outcomes: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Data From the Health and Retirement Study 2000-2016. Mindfulness July 1, 2023
and 8 more in the library
Cites 14
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Can Meditation Slow Rate of Cellular Aging? Cognitive Stress, Mindfulness, and Telomeres Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2009
- An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006
- A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression British Journal of Medical Psychology June 1, 2001
and 9 more in the library