%0 Journal Article %J J Alzheimers Dis %D 2016 %T Mindfulness Training for Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. %A Smart, Colette M %A Segalowitz, Sidney J %A Mulligan, Bryce P %A Koudys, Jacob %A Gawryluk, Jodie R %X

INTRODUCTION: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults is a condition with a complex phenomenology and diverse etiologies including (but not limited to) mood, personality, and health concerns, as well as biomarkers of preclinical Alzheimer's disease such as amyloid-β deposition and gray matter volume loss. Approximately 60% of affected persons are estimated to decline to Alzheimer's dementia. Regardless of etiology, persons with SCD may be optimal targets for early intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the feasibility and impact of mindfulness training (MT) as an early intervention in persons with SCD.

METHODS: Using a single-blind, randomized controlled trial design, older adults with (n = 14) and without (n = 22) SCD were randomized to either MT or a control condition of psychoeducation (PE) on cognitive aging. EEG/ERP (specifically, the P3 component), structural MRI, and self-report measures of psychological functioning were obtained within 4 weeks prior to and within 2 weeks following intervention.

RESULTS: MT resulted in decreased reaction time intra-individual variability for all participants, with a selective increase in the P3 event-related component for those with SCD. Compared with PE, MT also resulted in an increase in percent volume brain change in structural MRI. Finally, all SCD participants reported a decrease in cognitive complaints and increase in memory self-efficacy following intervention.

DISCUSSION: Results suggest that MT is a feasible early intervention in persons with SCD. Longer-term follow-up with larger sample sizes will determine whether MT can slow the rate of decline in persons who may be at risk for Alzheimer's dementia.

%B J Alzheimers Dis %V 52 %P 757-74 %8 2016 Apr 05 %G eng %N 2 %1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27060951?dopt=Abstract %R 10.3233/JAD-150992