Examining the Effect of an 8-Week Mindfulness Training Program on Caregiver Burden and Occupational Balance, and on Functional Capacity in People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Health Care (MBHC) Program on informal caregiver (CG) burden and occupational balance, as well as on the functional capacity of people with Alzheimer’s disease cared for. Method In this randomized controlled trial, 66 CGs were allocated to an MBHC ( n = 33) and a treatment as usual ( n = 33) group. Data collection included the Zarit Burden Interview, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire, and the Disability Assessment for Dementia. CGs were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. A total of 50 (75.6%) and 30 (45.5%) CGs completed the post-intervention and the 3-month follow-up assessments, respectively. Linear regression and generalized linear mixed models were performed to explore the intervention effects. Results In comparison to treatment as usual, the MBHC intervention was associated with a significant decrease in CG burden post-intervention ( β = − 7.04; 95% CI : − 13.19, − 0.88; p = 0.026). Furthermore, MBHC intervention was associated with a significant increase in CGs’ occupational balance right after intervention ( β = 6.54; 95% CI : 1.85, 11.22; p = 0.007). However, these positive effects were not statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up. Finally, the functional capacity of the people with Alzheimer’s disease showed non-relevant changes or differences between groups. Conclusions This randomized controlled trial showed that an MBHC could have a positive impact in reducing CG burden and improving their occupational balance. These results highlight the viability of implementing an MBHC as a cost-effective, community-based care intervention aimed at improving mental well-being in CGs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Preregistration This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov ( http://clinicaltrials.gov ) with ID, NCT03858283.