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Closed-Loop and Neuroplasticity-Based Mindfulness Program for Family Caregivers
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a closed-loop and neuroplasticity-based mindfulness program for reducing stress among family caregivers of people with dementia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the closed-loop and neuroplasticity-based mindfulness program, a traditional mindfulness program, or brief education on dementia care. The closed-loop and neuroplasticity-based mindfulness program will include three weekly face-to-face training sessions (90 minutes each) and daily guided self-practice over 8 weeks via a mobile application. The traditional mindfulness program will not include the closed-loop approach but will feature general mindfulness practices with the same group size, duration, and frequency as the closed-loop program. The family caregivers in the control group will receive self-directed e-learning on dementia care with support from a registered nurse experienced in dementia care or elderly care, maintaining the same group size, duration, and frequency as the intervention groups. Evaluations will be conducted at baseline (0 weeks), immediately post-intervention (8 weeks), and during a follow-up assessment (6 months). All groups will complete the same assessments at the same time points.
Official title: Effects of a Closed-Loop and Neuroplasticity-Based Mindfulness Program for Reducing Stress in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: a Randomized Controlled Trial with a Process Evaluation
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
189
Start Date
2025-04-01
Completion Date
2027-04
Last Updated
2025-03-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Closed-Loop and Neuroplasticity-Based Mindfulness Program
The intervention includes three weekly 90-minute face-to-face mindfulness training sessions and daily guided self-practice using a closed-loop, neuroplasticity-based mobile app over 8 weeks. Training integrates mindfulness practices (e.g., mindful eating, body scanning) to help caregivers apply mindfulness in daily life. During self-practice, participants listen to a lesson, monitor distractions, and refocus on their breathing. Initial trials start at 20 seconds, adjusting by 10% if focused or decreasing by 20% if distracted, helping participants regulate attention. Progress is stored to continue in later sessions, with instant feedback during trials and delayed feedback on overall progress. Facilitators provide weekly follow-ups via the app to monitor caregivers' progress.
Traditional Mindfulness Program (Without the Closed-Loop Approach)
Family caregivers in the traditional mindfulness group will participate in general mindfulness practices (e.g., mindful eating, body scanning, and mindful walking) without the closed-loop approach. These practices aim to help caregivers learn mindfulness skills and integrate them into their everyday life. Sessions will be delivered through a mobile approach with the same group size, duration, and frequency as the intervention groups.
Psychoeducation
Family caregivers in the control group will receive self-directed e-learning on dementia care with support from a registered nurse experienced in dementia care or elderly care. This group will serve as a control for socialization and interaction aspects with peers and the interventionist (nurse). The self-directed learning will be delivered through a mobile approach, maintaining the same group size, duration, and frequency as the intervention groups. Educational content will include brief sessions on dementia care, caregiving skills, and group sharing of caregiving tasks.