Effects of Breathing Therapy and Benson Relaxation Technique on Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients

Launched by HÜLYA NURAY BAYRAKTAR · May 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how breathing exercises and a technique called the Benson Relaxation Technique can help reduce stress and improve the well-being of caregivers who take care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The trial will take place at the Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic of Gülhane Training and Research Hospital from March to May 2025. They are looking for caregivers aged 18 to 65 who have been caring for someone with Alzheimer's for at least six months. To participate, caregivers should be in good physical and mental health, able to follow instructions, and not currently involved in other relaxation programs.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will attend six weeks of sessions that include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, while the other group will continue with their usual care without any additional support. Caregivers in the program will meet twice a week for 30 minutes each time. Throughout the study, researchers will check in on how caregivers are feeling about their caregiving duties, their stress levels, and their confidence in managing their responsibilities. This trial aims to see if the breathing and relaxation techniques can make a real difference in reducing caregiver stress and improving their overall quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between the ages of 18-65
• • At least primary school graduate
• • First degree caregiver of a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's (continuous caregiver, family member, spouse, etc., or paid continuous caregiver)
• • Caring for an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's for at least 6 months
• • Cognitively and physically capable of answering data collection forms and implementing the taught exercise with the researcher Caregivers who agree to participate in the study will be included in the sample.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with cognitive and psychological problems (anxiety, panic attacks, depression, etc.)
• • Those diagnosed with advanced heart disease, asthma, COPD, and advanced cancer
• • Those with communication problems (hearing, vision, speech, etc.)
• • Individuals who are hospitalized or undergo surgery, etc. during the study period
• • Individuals who are simultaneously continuing another relaxation exercise (yoga, meditation, visualization, etc.) will not be included in the sample.
• • In addition, caregivers who indicate that they want to withdraw from the study during the study and who do not attend the weekly group sessions twice in a row will be excluded from the sample.