The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a live online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (tele-MBCT) intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia.

Caring for a family member with dementia is associated with chronic stress which can have negative effects on caregivers’ mental and physical health. Family caregivers as a vulnerable marginalized population and invisible backbone of the health care system are in need of accessible and effective interventions that are tailored to their particular needs. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions have been proposed to improve psychological outcomes in caregivers. 

Family caregivers were randomly assigned to a tele-MBCT intervention or a usual care control group. Tele-MBCT participants attended 8 weekly live online training and practiced mindfulness practices at home. All participants completed surveys at baseline, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up. 

26 family caregivers (age, 60 ± 13 years) were enrolled and randomized (14 into the intervention and 12 into the control group) and 92% completed the study. 88% of the participants were female and 70% were caring for a parent for the mean of 5.12 ± 2.88 years of caregiving. 84% of the participants in the intervention group attended at least 7 sessions and the mean of daily practice was 23.58 ± 45.71 minutes. All participants were satisfied with the intervention and 88.8% were satisfied with the online delivery method. Participants in the intervention group showed Pre-Post improvement in self-compassion (t(11)= -2.49, p= 0.03) and coping strategies (t(11)= 3.62, p= 0.004) compared to the control group.

Tele-MBCT is a feasible intervention and may improve psychological outcomes and adaptive coping in family caregivers of individuals with dementia. A larger controlled trial is warranted.