Tele-Mindfulness for Dementia's Family Caregivers: A Randomized Trial with a Usual Care Control Group

Background: Caring for a family member with dementia is stressful and challenging. Family caregivers, as a vulnerable marginalized population and invisible backbone of the health care system, need accessible and effective interventions that are tailored to their particular needs.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a live online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (tele-MBCT) intervention for family caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Methods: Family caregivers were assigned to a tele-MBCT intervention or a usual care control group. Tele-MBCT participants attended eight weekly live online training and practiced mindfulness practices at home. All participants completed surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up.

Results: 26 participants (age 60±13 years) were enrolled and randomized (14 in the intervention and 12 in the control group), and 92.3% completed the study. 88% of the participants were female, and 70% were caring for a parent for a mean of 5.12±2.88 years. 84% of the participants in the intervention group attended at least seven sessions and the average of daily practice was 23.58±45.71 minutes. All participants were satisfied with the intervention, and 88.8% were satisfied with the online delivery method. Participants in the intervention group showed Pre-Post improvement in self-compassion (t (11) = -2.49, p=0.03) and coping strategies (t (11) = 3.62, p=0.004) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Tele-MBCT is a feasible intervention and may improve psychological outcomes and adaptive coping in family caregivers of individuals with dementia. A larger controlled trial is warranted.