Mindfulness Training for Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the feasibility and impact of mindfulness training (MT) as an early intervention for older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
Results Summary
MT reduced reaction time variability, increased the P3 event-related component in SCD participants, and led to greater brain volume changes compared to psychoeducation. SCD participants also reported fewer cognitive complaints and improved memory self-efficacy.
Population
Older adults with (n=14) and without (n=22) subjective cognitive decline.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Intervention duration not explicitly stated, but assessments occurred within 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after the intervention.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness training (MT) | decrease | reaction time intra-individual variability | all participants | - | resulted in decreased | #1 |
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | P3 event-related component | those with SCD | - | selective increase in | #2 |
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | percent volume brain change in structural MRI | - | - | resulted in an increase in | #3 |
mindfulness training (MT) | decrease | cognitive complaints | all SCD participants | - | reported a decrease in | #4 |
mindfulness training (MT) | increase | memory self-efficacy | all SCD participants | - | reported a increase in | #5 |
INTRODUCTION: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults is a condition with a complex phenomenology and diverse etiologies including (but not limited to) mood, personality, and health concerns, as well as biomarkers of preclinical Alzheimer's disease such as amyloid-β deposition and gray matter volume loss. Approximately 60% of affected persons are estimated to decline to Alzheimer's dementia. Regardless of etiology, persons with SCD may be optimal targets for early intervention. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the feasibility and impact of mindfulness training (MT) as an early intervention in persons with SCD. METHODS: Using a single-blind, randomized controlled trial design, older adults with (n = 14) and without (n = 22) SCD were randomized to either MT or a control condition of psychoeducation (PE) on cognitive aging. EEG/ERP (specifically, the P3 component), structural MRI, and self-report measures of psychological functioning were obtained within 4 weeks prior to and within 2 weeks following intervention. RESULTS: MT resulted in decreased reaction time intra-individual variability for all participants, with a selective increase in the P3 event-related component for those with SCD. Compared with PE, MT also resulted in an increase in percent volume brain change in structural MRI. Finally, all SCD participants reported a decrease in cognitive complaints and increase in memory self-efficacy following intervention. DISCUSSION: Results suggest that MT is a feasible early intervention in persons with SCD. Longer-term follow-up with larger sample sizes will determine whether MT can slow the rate of decline in persons who may be at risk for Alzheimer's dementia.