Mindfulness Training and Attentional Control in Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Whitmoyer ◽  
Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza ◽  
Rebecca Andridge ◽  
Keith Bredemeier ◽  
Allison Londeree ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Attentional Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Mindfulness Training and Attentional Control in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Whitmoyer ◽  
Stephanie Fountain-Zargoza ◽  
Rebecca Andridge ◽  
Keith Bredemeier ◽  
Allison Londerée ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Attentional Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Mindfulness-based interventions have been found to improve facets of attentional control. However, comparison with active control groups has been scarce, and few studies have examined mindfulness as a means to ameliorate age-related cognitive deficits. This rigorously-designed, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial, investigated the effects of mindfulness-based attention training (MBAT) on attentional control in older adults relative to an active control group. Seventy-four community-dwelling older adults were randomized to four weeks of MBAT or an active lifestyle eduction control group. Pre- and post-intervention, participants completed two computerized measures of attentional control with intermittent assessments of self-reported mind-wandering. Although we found some evidence for greater reductions in mind-wandering in the MBAT than the active control group, the MBAT group did not exhibit greater improvements in attentional performance. Exploratory analyses revealed working memory as a significant moderator of the observed effects, such that those in the MBAT group with higher working memory showed greater improvement in attentional control. Thus, we found preliminary evidence for attentional benefits following mindfulness training only in individuals with high working memory. Our results call for more rigorous implementation of RCT methodology in future investigations of mindfulness training’s benefits for cognitive functioning in older adults.

Effects of a Brief, Online, Focused Attention Mindfulness Training on Cognition in Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1182-1193
Author(s):  
Angelina J. Polsinelli ◽  
Alfred W. Kaszniak ◽  
Elizabeth L. Glisky ◽  
Dev Ashish
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Randomized Controlled

scholarly journals Protocol for the Reducing Fear-Avoidance of Memory Loss (REFRAME) Study: A randomized controlled trial investigating the feasibility of a low-intensity psychological intervention for fear of memory loss and quality of life in older adults. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia O'Loughlin ◽  
Pavithra Pavithra ◽  
John Regan ◽  
Francesca Farina ◽  
Marc Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Behavioral Avoidance

BACKGROUND Dementia is the most feared disease associated with aging. These fears can have harmful consequences even in the absence of cognitive decline. Fear of dementia is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced psychological wellbeing and increased memory failures in older adults. OBJECTIVE We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of a tailored, web-based mindfulness program to reduce fear of memory loss and increase quality of life in older adults experiencing heightened fear. METHODS One group will receive psychoeducation along with brief mindfulness training, which facilitates non-judgmental awareness to manage psychological distress. A second group will receive psychoeducation, mindfulness training and additional modules targeting maladaptive behavioral avoidance (i.e., social and cognitive withdrawal). RESULTS Our recent etiological model posits that maladaptive behavioral avoidance strategies critically underlie psycho-social dysfunction associated with fear of memory loss. Thus, we predict better outcomes in the second group, including fear of memory loss (primary outcome), fear of Alzheimer’s disease, quality of life, anxiety and subjective memory failures (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures will be applied at five time points (pre-, baseline, interim-, and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow up). CONCLUSIONS Data will be analyzed using mixed models, correlations and t-tests. This study was approved by the IRB at Northwestern University (USA) and data collection will take place between May and August 2021. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration Number: NCT04821960

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