Virtual mentalizing imagery therapy for Spanish language Latino family dementia caregivers: A feasibility and acceptability study

Spanish speaking family caregivers of people living with dementia have limited supportive resources in Spanish. There are few validated, culturally acceptable virtual interventions for reducing these caregivers' psychological distress. We investigated the feasibility of a Spanish language adaptation of a virtual Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT) program, which provides guided imagery and mindfulness training to reduce depression, increase mentalizing, and promote well-being. 12 Spanish-speaking family dementia caregivers received a 4-week virtual MIT program. Follow-up was obtained post group and at 4 months post baseline assessment. Feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction with MIT were assessed. The primary psychological outcome was depressive symptoms; secondary outcomes included caregiver burden, dispositional mindfulness, perceived stress, well-being, interpersonal support, and neurological quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed with mixed linear models. Caregivers were 52 +/- 8 (mean +/- SD) years of age. 60% had a high school education or less. Participation in weekly group meetings was 100%. Home practice was performed on average 4 +/- 1 times per week [range 2-5]. Satisfaction with MIT reached 19 +/- 2 of a possible 20 points. Reduction in depression from baseline was observed by week three (p = 0.01) and maintained at 4 month follow-up (p = 0.05). There were significant improvements in mindfulness post-group, and in caregiver burden and well-being at 4 months. MIT was successfully adapted for Latino Spanish language family dementia caregivers within a virtual group environment. MIT is feasible and acceptable and may help reduce depressive symptoms and improve subjective well-being. Larger, randomized controlled trials of MIT should determine durability of effects and validate efficacy in this population.

Automated summary

Spanish-speaking family caregivers of people with dementia have limited supportive resources in their own language. This study examined the feasibility of a Spanish language adaptation of a virtual Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT) program. Results showed that participating caregivers experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms and improvements in mindfulness, caregiver burden, and well-being. The adapted MIT program was found to be feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial for this population. Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of MIT in larger, randomized controlled trials.