Dyadic Mindfulness for People with Parkinson's Disease and Their Caregivers

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Feb 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a program called dyadic mindfulness on individuals with Parkinson's Disease and their family caregivers. Dyadic mindfulness involves practicing mindfulness together as a pair, which can help improve emotional well-being and strengthen the relationship between patients and caregivers. The trial will involve 100 pairs of patients and their caregivers, who will either participate in eight weekly mindfulness sessions or continue with their usual care. Researchers will measure various outcomes, such as changes in negative emotions, the quality of the patient-caregiver relationship, and the patients' symptoms over time.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be Chinese patients aged 50 to 80 with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease who experience some negative emotions. Caregivers must be primary caregivers living with the patient for at least three months. Both participants should be able to communicate in Cantonese and provide written consent. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the beginning, after the mindfulness sessions, and four months later. Additionally, a smaller group of participants will be invited to share their experiences in interviews. This research aims to provide valuable information on how dyadic mindfulness can support both patients and caregivers in managing their challenges together.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria of PwPD:
• • Chinese patients with idiopathic mild-moderate PD (as indicated by the Hoehn and Yahr Scale stages I-III: those with unilateral/bilateral symptoms, with/without postural instability who are able to walk/stand unassisted)
• • Aged 50-80
• • Experience at least mild negative emotions (as indicated by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale \[DASS21\] score of Depression subscale ≥10, Anxiety subscale ≥8, or Stress subscale ≥15)
• Inclusion Criteria of caregivers of PwPD:
• • - Self-identified as the primary caregivers of their patient
• • Both need to be able to communicate in Cantonese and provide written consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Engage in regular supervised mind-body practices such as Tai Chi, yoga, or other forms of mindfulness training (\>2 times per week)
• • Have a pre-existing acute psychotic disease
• • Currently participating in any other behavioral or pharmacological trial
• • Have significant cognitive impairment, as indicated by an Abbreviated Mental Test score≤ 6
• • Have other contraindications that may limit their full participation (e.g., severe hearing/vision impairment)