Effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention for older adults to improve emotional well-being and cognitive function in a Chinese population: A randomized waitlist-controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effects of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program on mental well-being and cognitive function in older adults.
Results Summary
The mMBSR intervention improved mental well-being, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality at 2 months, with most benefits sustained at 4 months except for mental well-being. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared to the control group.
Population
Older adults (mean age not specified, predominantly female [83.7%], living with others [67.0%], and married [50.7%]).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
2 months (with follow-up at 4 months)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | increase | mental well-being | older adults | 0.9, 95%CI: 0.1-1.8 | better | #1 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | decrease | depressive symptoms | older adults | -1.0; 95%CI: -1.7 to -0.3 | less | #2 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | increase | mental well-being (SWEMWBS) | intervention group | 22.5-23.4 | improvement in | #3 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | increase | cognitive function (MOCA) | intervention group | 24.6-25.8 | improvement in | #4 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | increase | cognitive function (VFT) | intervention group | 38.7-42.1 | improvement in | #5 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | decrease | depressive symptoms (GDS) | intervention group | 4.1-3.1 | improvement in | #6 |
modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program | decrease | sleep quality (PSQI) | intervention group | 8.3-6.7 | improvement in | #7 |
BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program on mental well-being and cognitive function of older adults. METHOD: Two hundred and fourty-six participants were randomly assigned to mMBSR (n = 120) group or waitlist control group which received mMBSR at 2-month (n = 123). Data collected at baseline, 2 and 4 months after recruitment. PRIMARY OUTCOME: mental well-being: Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), international shopping list test, self-compassion scale, peace of mind scale, geriatric depression scale (GDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). In modified-intention-to-treat analysis, paired t-test for within group comparison, and ANCOVA to compare group differences at 2-months with adjustment of baseline values. RESULTS: Most participants were female (83.7%), living with others (67.0%), and married (50.7%). No significant difference of baseline characteristics except sleep quality. At 2 months, intervention group reported better mental well-being (0.9, 95%CI: 0.1-1.8, p = 0.025) and less depressive symptoms (-1.0; 95%CI: -1.7 to -0.3, p = 0.004). Within group at 2 months, intervention group had improvement in: mental well-being (SWEMWBS: 22.5-23.4, p = 0.011), cognitive function (MOCA: 24.6-25.8, p < 0.001; VFT: 38.7-42.1, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (GDS: 4.1-3.1, p < 0.001), and sleep quality (PSQI: 8.3-6.7, p < 0.001). All these changes, except mental well-being, were sustained at 4 months. DISCUSSION: Attrition rate was 14% and mindfulness intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable in older adults. Major limitation of the study was the absence of an active control group to control for non-specific effect.