Contemplative Practice for Dementia Caregivers

Overseen By Nirmala Lekhak, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Disqualifiers: Recent meditation, Cognitive, Language, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 21 days

113 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to test the contemplative practice is feasible and acceptable among informal dementia caregivers population at all stages.

Research Team

Nirmala Lekhak, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for family caregivers who have been looking after someone with dementia for over six months. It's not suitable for those who've recently meditated or have cognitive/language difficulties that would affect understanding the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been caring for someone with dementia for over 6 months.

People who take care of family members with dementia

Exclusion Criteria

You have not meditated within the past 2 months.

Cognitive or language barrier that would make it difficult to understand and sign the informed consent

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in Maitribodh Sambodh Dhyaan practice, which includes breath watch, mantra chant, focused meditation, and a gratitude exercise

21 days

3 visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in loneliness using the UCLA 3-item Loneliness scale

60 days

2 visits (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Contemplative Practice

Trial Overview The study is exploring whether contemplative practices are a workable and agreeable support method for informal caregivers of dementia patients, regardless of the stage of care they're providing.

Participant Groups

Group I: Waitlist Control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The arm will eventually get the intervention.

Group II: Contemplative Practice Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Maitribodh Sambodh (MSD) is a unique form of contemplative practice which combines breath watch, mantra or vibrational sound chant, focused meditation followed by loving kindness or a gratitude exercise at the end.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

14,700+