FROM REACH TO MINDFULNESS: SHIFTING PARADIGMS IN SUPPORT OF CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
2024

Mindfulness Intervention for Caregivers of Veterans with Dementia

Sample size: 133 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Savla Jyoti, Sapra Mamta, Luci Katherine, Hagemann Lauren

Primary Institution: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Hypothesis

Does a mindfulness-based intervention improve the caregiving experience for family caregivers of Veterans living with dementia compared to a traditional program?

Conclusion

The mindfulness-based intervention PAACC significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms while increasing mindfulness among caregivers compared to the REACH-VA program.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caregivers who received PAACC showed lower anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to those who received REACH-VA.
  • PAACC combines mindfulness with caregiver skill-development to improve the caregiving experience.
  • The study highlights the importance of mindfulness practices for reducing caregiver stress.

Takeaway

This study shows that teaching caregivers to be more mindful can help them feel less stressed and more connected to the Veterans they care for.

Methodology

A randomized-controlled trial comparing the PAACC intervention to the REACH-VA program.

Participant Demographics

Average age 67 years; 81% White; 89% co-residing with the Veteran.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1779

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