Online Meditation for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · Jan 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying an online mindfulness meditation program to see if it is easy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia to use. The researchers want to find out how participating in this program might improve their mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. A total of 32 participants will be recruited and divided into small groups. They will join a weekly online meditation class for eight weeks and practice at home for about 20 minutes each day. Participants will also keep a simple record of their practice and feelings to help track their progress.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be 60 years or older and have MCI or mild dementia. They need to be able to use an electronic device like a smartphone or tablet and have internet access. It’s important that they can attend the sessions regularly and are willing to sign a consent form to participate. However, individuals with significant past experience in meditation, certain mental or physical health issues, or those who cannot communicate in English will not be eligible. This study aims to provide insights into how online meditation can benefit older adults facing these cognitive challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 60 years or older.
• • MCI: Concern regarding a change in cognition, with impairment in one or more cognitive domains, including memory, executive function, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. Preservation of independence in functional abilities and does not meet the criteria for dementia, as described in the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) diagnostic guidelines.
• • Mild dementia: As described in the NIA-AA research framework, mild dementia is defined as substantial progressive cognitive impairment affecting several domains and/or neurobehavioral disturbances. Documented by the individual's report, an observer (e.g., a study partner) report, or by changes observed on longitudinal cognitive testing. Clearly evident functional impact on daily life, mainly affecting instrumental activities. No longer fully independent and requires occasional assistance with daily activities.
• • Access to an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, computer, or tablet) and the internet.
• • Ability and willingness to provide informed consent by signing the Consent Form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current active or past significant experience with meditation.
• • Clinically significant mental or physical health disorder beyond MCI or dementia that may affect cognition and/or the ability to complete the study (e.g., severe depression, suicidality, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major psychiatric diagnoses, social anxiety (e.g., difficulty participating in a group setting), or severe impairments in eyesight, hearing, or upper limb motor movements).
• • Inability to commit to attending classes (e.g., planning to miss three or more classes).
• • Lack of proficiency in English.
• • Diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia.