scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and quality of life in nondemented older adults : a pilot study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group

Adults over the age of 65 years are now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. Although individual differences exist, aging is commonly associated with impairments in executive function. The present pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on improving executive functioning in older adults, while additionally decreasing perceived stress and improving psychological wellbeing. It was hypothesized that compared with an active control group, the MBSR group would display significant improvements in executive functioning, mood, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR (n=40) or an active control group (n=32). Results suggest that MBSR is associated with significantly enhanced quality of life compared with the control condition. No additional significant results were found. A full-scale study will be necessary to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and quality of life in nondemented older adults : a pilot study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group

Adults over the age of 65 years are now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. Although individual differences exist, aging is commonly associated with impairments in executive function. The present pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on improving executive functioning in older adults, while additionally decreasing perceived stress and improving psychological wellbeing. It was hypothesized that compared with an active control group, the MBSR group would display significant improvements in executive functioning, mood, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR (n=40) or an active control group (n=32). Results suggest that MBSR is associated with significantly enhanced quality of life compared with the control condition. No additional significant results were found. A full-scale study will be necessary to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Cognitive Function and Well-being in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Cognitive Function and Well-being in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and well-being in caregivers of persons with dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and well-being in caregivers of persons with dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Approximately 14.9% of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with cognitive impairment, including dementia, which means that there is likely an equal or even greater number of Canadians involved in their care. Relative to non-caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia typically show more cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive function, memory), and report increased perceived stress, depression, and poor quality of life. The first aim of this dissertation was to compare caregivers’ cognitive and psychological function with that of non-caregiving older adults. The second aim was to assess whether a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention could improve cognitive function and well-being in caregivers, compared to a psychoeducational control group. In Study 1, 57 older adult caregivers completed an assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Their performance was compared with that of 97 healthy, non-caregiving older adults who completed a similar battery of measures. It was hypothesized that caregivers would show decreased performance on measures of cognitive function, as well as significantly poorer psychosocial outcomes relative to the non-caregiver group. In Study 2, caregivers were randomized into an eight week MBSR program (n = 33) or a psychoeducation control group (n = 24). At post-program, all participants completed a re-assessment of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Results of Study 1 showed that relative to non-caregivers, caregivers made significantly more errors on a measure of cognitive flexibility, generated fewer words on measures of phonemic fluency and semantic fluency, and learned significantly fewer words on a list learning task. Caregivers also reported significantly more stress and depressive symptoms, and reported lower quality of life. Results of Study 2 showed that post-intervention cognitive performance did not significantly differ as a function of group assignment. However, participants in the MBSR group showed a significantly larger reduction in depression and perceived stress relative to controls. Results of this RCT provide preliminary evidence for the selective benefits of MBSR relative to psychoeducation in a group of older caregivers of individuals with dementia.

scholarly journals “Where-There-Is-No-Psychiatrist Integrated Personal Therapy” among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9514
Author(s):  
Shefaly Shorey ◽  
Ee Heok Kua ◽  
Wilson Tam ◽  
Valerie Chan ◽  
Yong Shian Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

In Singapore, many older adults suffer from subsyndromal depression and/or subsyndromal anxiety, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being if left untreated. Due to the general public’s reluctance to seek psychological help and the low psychiatrist-to-population ratio in Singapore, this study aims to examine the preliminary efficacy, perceptions, and acceptability of a trained volunteer-led community-based intervention on community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-one participants (control: n = 11; intervention: n = 10) completed the randomized pilot study. A mixed-methods approach (questionnaires, semistructured interviews, examining blood samples, intervention fidelity) was adopted. No significant differences were found between the intervention and the control groups in depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, friendship, and quality of life. However, there was a positive change in quality-of-life scores from baseline to 6 months in the intervention group. The control group had significantly higher cortisol levels and lower annexin-A1 levels at 6 months, while the intervention group did not. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) impact of the intervention on older adults’ well-being, (2) attitudes toward intervention, and (3) a way forward. However, intervention efficacy could not be established due to small sample size caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Future randomized controlled trials should evaluate volunteer-led, technology-based psychosocial interventions to support these older adults.

scholarly journals KONTAKT© in Australian Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Protocol of a Randomized Control Trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Afsharnejad ◽  
Marita Falkmer ◽  
Melissa H Black ◽  
Tasha Alach ◽  
Fabian Lenhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Randomized Control Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Goals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Randomized Control

Abstract Background: Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience impairing challenges in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. While social skills group training (SSGT) has shown moderate effects on various sociability outcomes in ASD, there is a need for (i) replication of effects in additional clinical and cultural contexts, (ii) designs which employ active control groups, (iii) calculation of health economic benefits, (iv) identification of the optimal training duration, and (v) measurement of individual goal and quality of life outcomes. Method: With the aim of investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a SSGT, KONTAKT©, a two-armed randomized control trial with adolescents aged 12 to17 years (N=90) with ASD and an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 70 will be undertaken. Following stratification for centre and gender, participants will be randomly assigned to either KONTAKT© or to an active control group, a group-based cooking program. Participants will attend both programs in groups of 6 to 8 adolescents, over 16 one and a half hour sessions. The primary outcome examined is adolescent self-rated achievement of personally meaningful social goals as assessed via Goal Attainment Scaling during an interview with a blinded clinician. Secondary outcomes include adolescent self-reported interpersonal efficacy, quality of life, social anxiety, and loneliness, face emotion recognition performance and associated gaze behaviour, and parent proxy reports of autistic traits, quality of life, social functioning, emotion recognition and expression. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in relation to direct and indirect societal and health care costs. Discussion: The primary outcomes of this study will be evidenced in the anticipated achievement of adolescents’ personally meaningful social goals following participation in KONTAKT© as compared to the active control group. This design will enable rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of KONTAKT©, exercising control over the possibly confounding effect of exposure to a social context of peers with a diagnosis of ASD. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12617001117303, registered 31 July 2017, anzctr.org.au; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03294668 registered 22 September 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov. Keywords: Social Skills, Adolescents, KONTAKT, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Training.

scholarly journals KONTAKT© in Australian Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Protocol of a Randomized Control Trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Afsharnejad ◽  
Marita Falkmer ◽  
Melissa H Black ◽  
Tasha Alach ◽  
Fabian Lenhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Randomized Control Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Goals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Randomized Control

Abstract Background: Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience impairing challenges in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. While social skills group training (SSGT) has shown moderate effects on various sociability outcomes in ASD, there is a need for (i) replication of effects in additional clinical and cultural contexts, (ii) designs which employ active control groups, (iii) calculation of health economic benefits, (iv) identification of the optimal training duration, and (v) measurement of individual goal and quality of life outcomes. Method/design: With the aim of investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a SSGT, KONTAKT©, a two-armed randomized control trial with adolescents aged 12 to17 years (N=90) with ASD and an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 70 will be undertaken. Following stratification for centre and gender, participants will be randomly assigned to either KONTAKT© or to an active control group, a group-based cooking program. Participants will attend both programs in groups of 6 to 8 adolescents, over 16 one and a half hour sessions. The primary outcome examined is adolescent self-rated achievement of personally meaningful social goals as assessed via Goal Attainment Scaling during an interview with a blinded clinician. Secondary outcomes include adolescent self-reported interpersonal efficacy, quality of life, social anxiety, and loneliness, face emotion recognition performance and associated gaze behaviour, and parent proxy reports of autistic traits, quality of life, social functioning, emotion recognition and expression. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in relation to direct and indirect societal and health care costs. Discussion: The primary outcomes of this study will be evidenced in the anticipated achievement of adolescents’ personally meaningful social goals following participation in KONTAKT© as compared to the active control group. This design will enable rigours evaluation of the efficacy of KONTAKT©, exercising control over the possibly confounding effect of exposure to a social context of peers with a diagnosis of ASD.

scholarly journals KONTAKT© for Australian adolescents on the autism spectrum: protocol of a randomized control trial

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Afsharnejad ◽  
Marita Falkmer ◽  
Melissa H. Black ◽  
Tasha Alach ◽  
Fabian Lenhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Randomized Control Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Goals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Randomized Control

Abstract Background Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience impairing challenges in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. While social skills group training (SSGT) has shown moderate effects on various sociability outcomes in ASD, there is a need for (1) replication of effects in additional clinical and cultural contexts, (2) designs that employ active control groups, (3) calculation of health economic benefits, (4) identification of the optimal training duration, and (5) measurement of individual goals and quality of life outcomes. Method/design With the aim of investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a SSGT, KONTAKT©, a two-armed randomized control trial with adolescents aged 12–17 years (N = 90) with ASD and an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 70 will be undertaken. Following stratification for centre and gender, participants will be randomly assigned to either KONTAKT© or to an active control group, a group-based cooking programme. Participants will attend both programmes in groups of 6–8 adolescents, over 16 one-and-a-half-hour sessions. The primary outcome examined is adolescent self-rated achievement of personally meaningful social goals as assessed via the Goal Attainment Scaling during an interview with a blinded clinician. Secondary outcomes include adolescent self-reported interpersonal efficacy, quality of life, social anxiety, loneliness, face emotion recognition performance and associated gaze behaviour, and parent proxy reports of autistic traits, quality of life, social functioning, and emotion recognition and expression. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in relation to direct and indirect societal and healthcare costs. Discussion The primary outcomes of this study will be evidenced in the anticipated achievement of adolescents’ personally meaningful social goals following participation in KONTAKT© as compared to the active control group. This design will enable rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of KONTAKT©, exercising control over the possibly confounding effect of exposure to a social context of peers with a diagnosis of ASD. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN12617001117303. Registered on 31 July 2017. anzctr.org.au ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03294668. Registered on 22 September 2017. https://clinicaltrials.gov

Effectiveness of home-based electronic cognitive therapy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia: A Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Marin ◽  
Renée DeCaro ◽  
Kylie Schiloski ◽  
Ala’a Elshaar ◽  
Brigid Dwyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Home Based

BACKGROUND Can home-based computerized cognitive training programs be a useful tool to sustain cognition and quality of life in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia? Until now, the progressive nature of the disease and the variability in intervention periods has resulted in discrepant findings. We investigated a potential tool to offset the challenges usually found when evaluating the effectiveness of home-based computerized trainings in the AD population. Constant Therapy is a remotely-delivered, cloud-based program developed for patients with speech and cognitive deficits. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-week individualized Constant Therapy intervention program in patients with AD in the MCI and mild dementia stages. METHODS Data were collected over a 48-week period. Participants were assigned to either the Constant Therapy or Active Control group. The Constant Therapy group completed an individualized tablet-based training during the first 24 weeks; the second 24 weeks of computerized training were optional. The Active Control group completed paper and pencil games (e.g., sudokus, crosswords) during the first 24 weeks, and then completed the Constant Therapy training during the second 24 weeks. At weeks 0, 24 and 48, participants completed a neuropsychological battery to assess changes in cognition and functioning. In addition, the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was administered every 6 weeks. We measured Constant Therapy rate of adherence and task performance, as well as RBANS scores differences between the Constant Therapy and Active Control groups over the first 24 weeks of training. RESULTS Data for 19 patients were analyzed, with 44% of the Constant Therapy group and 22% of the Active Control group completing the entire 48-week training program. Due to the high drop-out rate, further analysis was only computed for participants who completed 24 weeks of training. The Constant Therapy group spent on average 121 days across the 24 weeks, and an average 27 minutes daily on the app. These participants showed an overall improvement in accuracy and latency in the Constant Therapy tasks scores, as well as specific improvements in the Constant Therapy tasks of visual and auditory memory, attention, and arithmetic. The Constant Therapy group also improved in the RBANS coding subtest compared to the Active Control group. CONCLUSIONS Long term (e.g., 24 weeks) computerized cognitive training using the Constant Therapy platform is feasible in patients with AD in the MCI and mild dementia stages. AD patients showed improvements on the Constant Therapy tasks over the 24 weeks and improved in one of the 12 RBANS subtests. These findings support the need for future research investigating the effects of long term individualized computerized programs as tools to sustain cognitive function and potentially quality of life in patients with AD. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02521558

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