Effects of Mindfulness-based Interventions on Dementia Patients: A Meta-analysis

West J Nurs Res. 2020 Dec;42(12):1163-1173. doi: 10.1177/0193945920916750. Epub 2020 May 14.

Abstract

This study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in improving mental health and quality of life for people with dementia. Comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases from their inception till June 26, 2019. In total, nine articles met the eligibility criteria and were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI: - 0.62 to - 0.15), in people with dementia who were treated with MBI. However, there were no significant improvements in anxiety, stress, or quality of life. These findings suggest that MBI is a promising alternative to conventional interventions in the treatment of depression among dementia patients and warrant further study.

Keywords: dementia; depression; meta-analysis; mindfulness-based interventions.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*