Exploring mindfulness for older adults with dementia and their carers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring mindfulness for older adults with dementia and their carers
IRAS ID
190117
Contact name
Emily Jane Swannell
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research will explore the impact and experience of attending an eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR) for older adults with dementia and their main carer. This study aims to find out if mindfulness can improve the wellbeing for both the person with dementia and the carer.
Evidence shows that there are a growing number of people with dementia (7.1% of over 65s in the UK) and dementia can have devastating effects due to its progressive diagnosis and impacts on wellbeing and identity (Lyketsos et al., 1997; Woods, 2001; Kitwood, 1990). Additionally, family and friends carers are likely to have higher levels of stress and depression (Wills & Soliman, 2001; Moise et al., 2004; Newbronner et al., 2013). O’Shaughnessy and colleagues (2010) further highlighted the negative impact dementia has on couples’ relationships.
MBSR has been shown to be beneficial for reducing stress and improving wellbeing in many different disorders and situations including for carers of people with dementia (Oken, et al., 2010; Hurley, Patterson & Cooley, 2014; Ho, et al., 2011).
The research participants will include five couples; five individuals diagnosed within the last 12-24 months with early stage dementia, and their main carer (defined as the person who provides regular support and has a close personal relationship with the individual), who are willing to participate in the course and practice homework, and are currently accessing support from KMPT Community Mental Health Team for Older People, Dover and Deal Service.
Data for the research will be collected by interviews of the couples before and after the course, individual interviews after the course, two subjective wellbeing questionnaires and a mindfulness questionnaire completed at different time points throughout the study and field notes consisting of direct observations of the MBSR intervention completed by the chief investigator.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0040
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion