Effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention for older adults to improve emotional well-being and cognitive function in a Chinese population: A randomized waitlist-controlled trial

Eric Kam Pui Lee, Bel Wong, Peter Hoi Shing Chan, Daisy Dexing Zhang, Wen Sun, Dicken Cheong Chun Chan, Ting Gao, Florence Ho, Timothy Chi Yui Kwok, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effect of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (mMBSR) program on mental well-being and cognitive function of older adults. Method: Two hundred and fourty-six participants were randomly assigned to mMBSR (n = 120) group or waitlist control group which received mMBSR at 2-month (n = 123). Data collected at baseline, 2 and 4 months after recruitment. Primary outcome: mental well-being: Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). Secondary outcomes: Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), international shopping list test, self-compassion scale, peace of mind scale, geriatric depression scale (GDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). In modified-intention-to-treat analysis, paired t-test for within group comparison, and ANCOVA to compare group differences at 2-months with adjustment of baseline values. Results: Most participants were female (83.7%), living with others (67.0%), and married (50.7%). No significant difference of baseline characteristics except sleep quality. At 2 months, intervention group reported better mental well-being (0.9, 95%CI: 0.1–1.8, p = 0.025) and less depressive symptoms (−1.0; 95%CI: −1.7 to −0.3, p = 0.004). Within group at 2 months, intervention group had improvement in: mental well-being (SWEMWBS: 22.5–23.4, p = 0.011), cognitive function (MOCA: 24.6–25.8, p < 0.001; VFT: 38.7–42.1, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (GDS: 4.1–3.1, p < 0.001), and sleep quality (PSQI: 8.3–6.7, p < 0.001). All these changes, except mental well-being, were sustained at 4 months. Discussion: Attrition rate was 14% and mindfulness intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable in older adults. Major limitation of the study was the absence of an active control group to control for non-specific effect.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberGPS5616
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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