Can Mindfulness-Based Interventions Benefit People with Dementia? Drawing on The Evidence from a Systematic Review in Populations with Cognitive Impairments.

INTRODUCTION: Non-pharmacological interventions that promote quality of life in people with dementia are urgently needed. To accelerate development, evidence-based psychotherapies used in other populations can be considered. Mindfulness-based interventions with standardised protocols, namely mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), may be effective in people with dementia, although tailoring for cognitive impairment may be needed. Evidence from other cognitive disorders can inform research. AREAS COVERED: The authors reviewed 12 studies of MBCT or MBSR conducted in people with cognitive impairments, including ten in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and mild cognitive impairment; and two in dementia. Protocol modifications, outcomes, and evidence quality were analysed. Common themes to address cognitive difficulties included: shortened session duration, use of memory aids, increase in repetition, simplified language, and omitted retreat sessions. EXPERT OPINION: MBCT and MBSR can be applied without drastic modifications in people with cognitive impairment. Their effectiveness in people with dementia remains unknown: empirical studies using/adapting evidence based MBCT/MBSR protocols in this population is seriously lacking. Studies used a diverse range of outcome measures, which made direct comparison difficult. Further research with high methodological quality, sufficient power and longer follow-up are urgently needed. Development of manuals would enhance the replicability of future studies.