Adaptation and virtual feasibility pilot of a mindfulness-based lifestyle program targeting modifiable dementia risk factors in older adults

Abstract

Objectives

We developed a group-based program (My Healthy Brain, MHB) to engage older adults at-risk for dementia in healthy lifestyles. We report on a two-part study to adapt MHB by incorporating mindfulness skills, using mobile health technology to monitor and reinforce behaviors, and delivering it via live video.

Methods

Participants were older adults (age ≥ 60) with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and at least one lifestyle risk factor. In Aim 1 (n = 11, 2 groups), we conducted focus groups to obtain qualitative feedback on proposed adaptations. In Aim 2 (n = 10), we conducted a virtual open pilot with exit interviews to explore the feasibility and outcomes of the adapted MHB.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed: (1) barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyles, (2) positive impressions of MHB, (3) interest in mindfulness skills, and (4) openness to study technologies. MHB met a-priori feasibility benchmarks and was associated with improvements in cognition, lifestyle (e.g. physical function), and proposed mechanisms (e.g. mindfulness). Exit interviews confirmed high feasibility and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The integration of mindfulness, live video, and mobile health technologies was feasible and promising for improving healthier lifestyles. The results inform the next feasibility RCT of MHB to prepare for efficacy testing.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2022.2032600

Keywords:

• Successful aging
• psychosocial
• analysis-mixed methods
• cognition
• dementia
• intervention

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Osher Center for Integrated Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and patients for supporting this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Research Pilot Grant (2020A013107) awarded by the Osher Center for Integrated Medicine Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.