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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a contemplative practice is helpful and feasible for those caring for family members with dementia. The practice includes activities such as breathing exercises, sound chants, and meditation. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will engage in the practice immediately, while the other will wait and try it later. The trial seeks individuals who have cared for someone with dementia for over six months and have not meditated in the past two months. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore new methods to support caregivers' well-being.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this contemplative practice is safe for dementia caregivers?

Research has shown that practices like meditation and mindfulness are generally safe and well-tolerated. These practices can help reduce stress and improve well-being, especially for caregivers of people with dementia. In a small study involving these caregivers, participants found the practice easy and acceptable. No negative effects were reported, indicating its safety for use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Contemplative Practice for Dementia Caregivers because it offers a holistic approach to managing caregiver stress and burnout. Unlike standard treatments that might focus on pharmaceutical interventions or therapy sessions, this practice integrates techniques like breath watching, mantra chanting, and loving-kindness exercises. These methods promote mindfulness and emotional resilience, potentially offering caregivers a more immediate and accessible way to find relief and improve their well-being. By fostering gratitude and compassion, this practice could also enhance the caregiving experience, benefiting both the caregivers and those they care for.

What evidence suggests that contemplative practice is effective for dementia caregivers?

Research has shown that activities like meditation and mindfulness benefit those who care for dementia patients. These practices enhance mindfulness in caregivers, leading to better outcomes for both them and the patients. Past studies found that caregivers using mindfulness techniques experienced increased happiness and improved mental health. In this trial, participants in the Contemplative Practice arm will engage in Maitribodh Sambodh (MSD), which involves focusing on breathing, meditating, and expressing gratitude. These activities can help caregivers become more adaptable and compassionate. Overall, participating in these practices may help caregivers manage stress better and improve their quality of life. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Nirmala Lekhak, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

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trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/06db3bfe725d5a49/nct06075329-dementia-caregivers-contemplative-practice

Dementia Caregivers and Contemplative Practice: A Pilot Study

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2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8324319/

The Effect of Baseline Patient and Caregiver Mindfulness ...

Higher baseline mindfulness was associated with better patient and caregiver outcomes, particularly when both patients and caregivers had high baseline ...

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clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04977245

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Dementia Caregivers

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4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11931665/

A mindfulness‐based multicomponent caregiver intervention ...

This study introduces the first mindfulness‐based intervention for veteran caregivers, designed to enhance cognitive flexibility, cultivate compassion, and ...

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scholar.google.com

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https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_...

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unlv.edu

unlv.edu/nursing/active-grants

Active Grants and Studies | School of Nursing | UNLV

Dementia Caregivers and A contemplative practice. Title: Dementia Caregivers ... care and child development outcomes. Integrating the Multi-Theory Model ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9808397/

A mindfulness-based intervention adapted to dementia ...

Mindfulness-based interventions can also reduce caregiver burden and distress, ultimately cultivating skillful coping strategies. For instance, ...

8.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9986707/

Mindfulness and Care Experience in Family Caregivers of ...

Our findings support a link between caregiver mindfulness and improved caregiving outcomes and suggest directions of inquiry.

9.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/nursingresearchonline/fulltext/2025/11000/abstracts_for_the_2025_enrs_annual_scientific.14.aspx

Abstracts for the 2025 ENRS Annual Scientific Sessions

Results: All participants reported improved comprehension of culturally specific nuances and comfort in utilizing LGBTQ+ terminology in mental health nursing.