Journal
GERONTOLOGIST
Volume 53, Issue 4, Pages 676-686Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gns126
Keywords
Chronic stress; Dementia; Complementary therapies; Mind-body therapies
Categories
Funding
- NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY &ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE [R21AT003654] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
- NCCIH NIH HHS [R21AT003654] Funding Source: Medline
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Purpose: Caring for a family member with dementia is associated with chronic stress, which can have significant deleterious effects on caregivers. The purpose of the Balance Study was to compare a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention to a community caregiver education and support (CCES) intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia. Design and Methods: We randomly assigned 78 family caregivers to an MBSR or a CCES intervention, matched for time and attention. Study participants attended 8 weekly intervention sessions and participated in home-based practice. Surveys were completed at baseline, postintervention, and at 6 months. Participants were 32-to 82-year-old predominately non-Hispanic White women caring for a parent with dementia. Results: MBSR was more effective at improving overall mental health, reducing stress, and decreasing depression than CCES. Both interventions improved caregiver mental health and were similarly effective at improving anxiety, social support, and burden. Implications: MBSR could reduce stress and improve mental health in caregivers of family members with dementia residing in the community.
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