Clinical gerontologist
January 1, 2025
Mo Yi, Wenmin Zhang, Baosheng Zhao et al.
10 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies found that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce depression and anxiety and improve mindfulness and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease compared to control conditions. No statistically significant effect on motor symptoms was observed. Subgroup analyses showed that participants from Asia, those receiving face-to-face sessions, and sessions lasting 1.5 hours had more positive effects. Mindfulness-based interventions represent a promising non-pharmacological approach for improving psychological well-being and quality of life in Parkinson's disease, though their efficacy for motor symptoms remains inconclusive.
Clinical gerontologist
May 31, 2025
Demetra Christodoulou, Suzanne Reeves, Naashoma P Carvalho et al.
2 citations
Third-wave psychotherapies, particularly mindfulness-based interventions, show promise for reducing psychological distress and improving well-being and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease, but evidence is limited. A systematic review of ten randomized controlled trials found that nine tested mindfulness-based approaches and one tested acceptance and commitment therapy. Methodological quality was moderate to high, but sample sizes were small, and only one trial was adequately powered. The largest trial reported significant benefits of Mindfulness Yoga for depression, anxiety, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Other findings were mixed. Pilot and feasibility studies indicated mindfulness interventions were well received. No conclusions could be drawn about non-mindfulness therapies due to insufficient data. Larger trials are needed to confirm clinical meaningfulness.
Clinical gerontologist
January 1, 2025
Philipp M Keune, Regina Meister, Jana Keune et al.
2 citations
Mindfulness-based interventions for people with dementia have shown inconsistent results, partly because the accuracy of self-reported mindfulness measures in this population is poorly understood. This narrative review examined studies that used self-reported trait mindfulness alongside other clinical measures to assess convergent validity and reliability in people with dementia. After screening 582 studies from PubMed and PsychInfo, only four cross-sectional studies allowed inferences about validity. Convergent validity varied with sample heterogeneity and cognitive impairment. Only one mindfulness-based intervention included a self-report trait mindfulness measure, but it did not report sample-specific validity or reliability. The review concludes that basic psychometric information is minimal and that results of mindfulness-based interventions should be interpreted cautiously.
Clinical gerontologist
January 1, 2025
Lydia Wailing Li, Rita Xiaochen Hu, Mariko Foulk
2 citations
A pilot program tested whether a meditation intervention delivered by telephone could reduce social isolation in older adults. Fourteen of sixteen enrolled participants (87.5% retention) completed six weeks of weekly group loving-kindness meditation training and daily practice via telephone conference, followed by six weeks of extended group practice. Participants were community-living adults aged 60 and older with multiple chronic conditions who reported feeling socially isolated. Completers showed high attendance (95%) and acceptability, and a statistically significant increase in social interaction at follow-up. Qualitative responses indicated changes in emotion regulation, motivation, confidence, and sense of belonging. The intervention appears feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial for this population.
Clinical gerontologist
January 1, 2025
Anne Malaktaris, Caitlin L Mclean, Pollyanna Casmar et al.
2 citations
A preliminary feasibility study of Compassion Meditation (CM) for distressed older US military veterans found that most participants initiated the program, but only about half completed it, with dropouts often citing difficulties engaging via telehealth. Of 25 enrolled veterans aged 55 and older with anxiety or depressive symptoms, 88% attended at least one session, and 52% completed the intervention (six or more sessions). Completers attended an average of 9.46 sessions. The transition from in-person to telehealth due to COVID-19 may have contributed to attrition. Older veterans appear open to meditation-based practices when they are easy to access.