scholarly journals Alpha and theta oscillations are inversely related to progressive levels of meditation depth

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucharit Katyal ◽  
Philippe Goldin
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Attention Regulation ◽  
Alpha 7 ◽  
Opposite Manner ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Meditation training is proposed to enhance mental well-being by modulating neural activity, particularly alpha and theta brain oscillations, and autonomic activity. Although such enhancement also depends on the quality of meditation, little is known about how these neural and physiological changes relate to meditation quality. One model characterizes meditation quality as five increasing levels of ‘depth’: hindrances, relaxation, concentration, transpersonal qualities and nonduality. We investigated the neural oscillatory (theta, alpha, beta and gamma) and physiological (respiration rate, heart rate and heart rate variability) correlates of the self-reported meditation depth in long-term meditators (LTMs) and meditation-naïve controls (CTLs). To determine the neural and physiological correlates of meditation depth, we modelled the change in the slope of the relationship between self-reported experiential degree at each of the five depth levels and the multiple neural and physiological measures. CTLs reported experiencing more ‘hindrances’ than LTMs, while LTMs reported more ‘transpersonal qualities’ and ‘nonduality’ compared to CTLs, confirming the experiential manipulation of meditation depth. We found that in both groups, theta (4–6 Hz) and alpha (7–13 Hz) oscillations were related to meditation depth in a precisely opposite manner. The theta amplitude positively correlated with ‘hindrances’ and increasingly negatively correlated with increasing meditation depth levels. Alpha amplitude negatively correlated with ‘hindrances’ and increasingly positively with increasing depth levels. The increase in the inverse association between theta and meditation depth occurred over different scalp locations in the two groups—frontal midline in LTMs and frontal lateral in CTLs—possibly reflecting the downregulation of two different aspects of executive processing—monitoring and attention regulation, respectively—during deep meditation. These results suggest a functional dissociation of the two classical neural signatures of meditation training, namely, alpha and theta oscillations. Moreover, while essential for overcoming ‘hindrances’, executive neural processing appears to be downregulated during deeper meditation experiences.

scholarly journals Physical activity and body weight of breast cancer survivors – VICAN national survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Rey ◽  
R Touzani ◽  
A Monet ◽  
M K Bendiane ◽  
A D Bouhnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background Cancer recurrence and poor quality of life are major challenges of the growing population of breast cancer (BC) survivors. International guidelines encourage survivors to engage in regular physical activity (PA) and to maintain a healthy body weight (BW), as both have a proven benefit on survival. Our aims were (1) to describe PA and BW 5 years after a BC diagnosis and (2) to define the predictors of long-term engagement in healthy lifestyle, in a representative sample of French survivors. Methods The French National VICAN surveys were implemented in 2012 and 2015 among cancer survivors. This analysis focused on 723 women with BC, without progression at 5 years, and who participated in both surveys. The questionnaires dealt with several topics including socioeconomic status, treatments and side effects, psychometric scales and lifestyle habits. Results Five years after diagnosis, 26% of women reported regular PA, 61% occasional PA and 14% no PA. Moreover, 27% reported a weight gain ≥5kg, and 10% a weight loss ≥5kg. Half of the women had decreased or stopped PA since diagnosis. In logistic regression, long-term regular PA was associated with better mental quality of life (aOR=1.04; 1.01-1.07), no depression (aOR=3.42; 1.21-9.65), higher Post Traumatic Growth Inventory score (aOR=1.02; 1.01-1.04), normal arm mobility (aOR=3.7; 1.6-8.4) and healthy and stable BW since diagnosis (aOR=4.47; 1.61-12.37). Weight gain ≥5kg was associated with younger age (aOR=0.96; 0.93-0.99), higher BW at diagnosis (aOR=1.02; 1.01-1.04), and lymphedema 5 years after diagnosis (aOR=1.69; 1.02-2.83). Conclusions For BC survivors, mental well-being is essential for successful long-term investment in healthy habits. More psychological and dietary support, and a better management of sequelae are needed in this population. Key messages For breast cancer survivors, mental well-being is essential for successful long-term investment in healthy habits. More psychological and dietary support, and better sequelae management are needed to help breast cancer survivors to persist in healthy lifestyle.

scholarly journals A social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life for Taiwanese older adults in long-term care

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 981-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Chuan Chen ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones ◽  
Helen Petsky
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Robot ◽  
World Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mental Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:To investigate the effect of a social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life of older adults in long-term care (LTC) and to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions after the intervention.Design:A mixed-methods approach consisting of a single group, before and after quasi-experimental design, and individual interview.Participants:Twenty older adults with depression from four LTC facilities in Taiwan were recruited.Intervention:Each participant participated in 8 weeks of observation and 8 weeks of intervention. In the observation stage, participants received usual care or activities without any research intervention. In the intervention stage, each participant was given a Paro (Personal Assistive RobOt) to keep for 24 hours, 7 days a week.Measurements:The Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for older adults were administered at four time points. Individual qualitative interviews with thematic analysis followed.Results:A repeated multivariate analysis of variance and Friedmanʼs test showed no significant changes during the observation stage between T1 and T2 for depression and quality of life (p >.5). For the intervention stage, statistically significant changes in decreasing depression and loneliness and improving quality of life over time were identified. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (i) humanizing Paro through referring to personal experiences and engagement; (ii) increased social interaction with other people; and (iii) companionship resulting in improved mental well-being.Conclusions:There were significant improvements in mental well-being in using Paro. Further research may help us to understand the advantages of using a Paro intervention as depression therapy.

Perceived Overprotection and Its Association With Quality of Life in Dementia

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-134
Author(s):  
Mechthild Niemann-Mirmehdi ◽  
Andreas Häusler ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Johanna Nordheim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Autonomy ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract. To date, few studies have focused on perceived overprotection from the perspective of people with dementia (PwD). In the present examination, the association of perceived overprotection in PwD is examined as an autonomy-restricting factor and thus negative for their mental well-being. Cross-sectional data from the prospective DYADEM study of 82 patient/partner dyads (mean age = 74.26) were used to investigate the association between overprotection, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life (QoL). The analyses show that an overprotective contact style with PwD has a significant positive association with stress and depression, and has a negative association with QoL. The results emphasize the importance of avoiding an overprotective care style and supporting patient autonomy.

scholarly journals Mental well‐being of staff in long‐term care facilities at risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiaki Ura ◽  
Tsuyoshi Okamura ◽  
Akinori Takase ◽  
Masaya Shimmei ◽  
Yukan Ogawa
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Mental Well Being

scholarly journals FEDERAL POLICY SUPPORTS AND GAPS IN ADDRESSING RACIAL-ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES IN U.S. LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S161-S161
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Mauldin ◽  
Kathy Lee ◽  
Antwan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Federal Policy ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Older adults from racial and ethnic minority groups face health inequities in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities just as they do in the United States as a whole. In spite of federal policy to support minority health and ensure the well-being of long-term care facility residents, disparities persist in residents’ quality of care and quality of life. This poster presents current federal policy in the United States to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities and to support long-term care facility residents’ health and well-being. It includes legislation enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for health care facilities receiving Medicare or Medicare funds, and policies of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. Recommendations to address threats to or gaps in these policies include monitoring congressional efforts to revise portions of the ACA, revising DHHS requirements for long-term care facilities staff training and oversight, and amending requirements for the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program to mandate collection, analysis, and reporting of resident complaint data by race and ethnicity.

Quality of life in long-term childhood cancer survivors and the relation of late effects and subjective well-being

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid Pemberger ◽  
Reinhold Jagsch ◽  
Eva Frey ◽  
Rosemarie Felder-Puig ◽  
Helmut Gadner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Late Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Subjective Well Being

Improvement in Cognitive Abilities, Mental and Emotional Well-being of Teenagers following a Meditation Retreat: An Open-Trial pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Kanchibhotla ◽  
Saumya Subramanian ◽  
Shashank Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Meditation Retreat ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Background: Today’s teenagers face several challenges that result in poor mental health, depression and anxiety. Several studies in the past decade have explored meditation as an adjunctive therapy for mental illness however the long term residual benefits of meditation have rarely been studied. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the benefits of a four day meditation retreat on cognitive abilities, mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. Methods: 303 teenagers participated in this study. Cognitive abilities of the students were measured using theSix letter cancellation test (SLCT). Mental and emotional well-being was measured using World Health Organization Well-being index (WHO-5) and Strength and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) respectively. Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Teenagers demonstrated a 33% increase in average accuracy for SLCT post intervention. WHO-5 mental well-being index scores also increased significantly (p <1). The participants experienced significant reduction in emotional problems and hyperactivity as measured by SDQ. The benefits of the retreat continued to persist, when measured after 40 days of the intervention. Conclusion: A well-structured meditation retreat has significant and long term benefits on teenagers’ mental well-being, emotional stability and cognitive capacity.

scholarly journals END-OF-LIFE CARE PREFERENCES AND WELL-BEING IN LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S669-S669
Author(s):  
Kelly Shryock ◽  
Jacinta Dickens ◽  
Anisha Thomas ◽  
Suzanne Meeks
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Research on end-of-life care in nursing homes comes largely from the viewpoint of staff or family members. We examined patient perspectives on end-of-life care, preferences for care, and quality of life in long-term care settings. We hypothesized that fulfillment of the Self Determination Theory (SDT) needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness would be related to better well-being and that the degree to which end-of-life care preferences are seen as possible in the setting would be related to SDT need fulfillment and well-being. Preliminary data, collected from older individuals at the end of life (over 55, presence of significant chronic disease, in long term care setting) (n= 72), demonstrated that autonomy, competence, and relatedness measures were moderately and significantly correlated with well-being as measured by life satisfaction, higher positive affect, lower negative affect, and overall quality of life measures The degree to which residents believed that their end-of-life care preferences could be honored in the setting was also significantly correlated with autonomy, competence, relatedness, positive affect, and psychological quality of life. These results are consistent with SDT and suggest that if long term care settings can promote autonomy, connection, and competence in making end of life decisions, possibly by discovering and fulfilling preferences for end of life care, individuals who end their lives on those settings have potential for greater satisfaction and happiness. These results suggest that SDT is a useful framework for ongoing research on how to improve the end of life experiences of older adults in long term care.

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