Effects of Mindfulness Based Interventions in Adults and Older Adults Caregivers of Patients with Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Pilot Study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Giulietti, Maria Velia^{a; *} | Fabbietti, Paolo^b | Spatuzzi, Roberta^c | Vespa, Anna^d

Affiliations: [a] Department of Neurology, Scientific and Technological Area, INRCA-IRCCS National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Ancona, Italy | [b] Biostatistical Center, INRCA-IRCCS National Institute of Science and Health on Aging, Ancona, Italy | [c] Department of Mental Health, ASP Basilicata, Potenza, Italy | [d] Scientific and Technological Area, Department of Neurology, INRCA-IRCCS National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Ancona, Italy

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Maria Velia Giulietti, PsyD, Department of Neurology, Scientific and Technological Area, INRCA-IRCCS National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Ancona, Italy. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Background:Many studies have highlighted the effect of training with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on the psycho-physical rebalancing of patients suffering from various pathologies, and their families. Objective:In this study, the effect of a training with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on quality of life and emotion regulation (depression) was verified in caregivers (CGs) of patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease at early stage (AD-P). Methods:In this randomized controlled study, 22 CGs (age≥60 years) were treated with MBIs, in particular MBSR, and 22 CGs had no treatment. Tests (T0-T1 six months) included: SF 36-Quality of Life (QoL); Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI); FACIT-Spiritual-Well-Being; Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Everyday Cognition scales; and Mini-Mental State Examination (for AD-P). Results:Significant differences emerged between T0 and T1 for CGs with MBSR in the following dimensions: Depression-BDI (p > 0.001), Burden CBI-Total (0.001), CBI-Time dependent burden (p < 0.001), CBI-Developmental burden (p < 0.001), CBI-Physical burden (p < 0.001); and pain (p = 0.002) all decreased; while CBI-Social burden (p = 0.004), QoL-Health Role Limitation (p < 0.000), QoL-Role-Limitation-Emotional-Problem (p < 0.000), QoL-Energy-fatigue (p < 0.000), QoL-Emotional Well-Being (p < 0.001), QoL-Social Well Being (p = 0.010), and QoL-General Health (p = 0.004) increased. The control group of untreated CG showed a significant worsening in the dimensions of Physical functioning (p = 0.036) and pain (p = 0.047). Conclusions:AD-CGs treated with MBI reduced their burden and depression and experienced an improvement in all the dimensions of quality of life.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, burden, caregivers, depression, mindfulness, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230284

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 97, no. 4, pp. 1923-1930, 2024