Mentalizing Imagery Therapy Mobile App to Enhance the Mood of Family Dementia Caregivers: Feasibility and Limited Efficacy Testing

• DOI: 10.2196/12850
• Publication Date: 2018-12-27T12:26:41Z
• Authors: Abu Taher Sikder; Francis Cheng Yang; Rhiana Schafer; Glenna A Dowling; Lara Traeger; Felipe Ananda Jain
• Keywords: Mobile apps; Mentalization; Guided imagery

Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (AD ADRD) often experience high stress are at risk for depression. Technologically delivered therapy is attractive AD ADRD because the time demands associated in-person participation.We aimed to study feasibility conduct limited efficacy testing a mobile app intervention delivering mentalizing imagery (MIT) family caregivers.A 4-week trial MIT was conducted assess use investigate changes in depression symptoms, mood, caregiving experience. Semistructured interviews were characterize participants' perceived benefits.A total 17 21 (80%) consented participants (mean age 67 years, range 54-79) utilized least once further analyzed. Average usage audio recordings on 14 (SD 10) days out 28 possible comprised 29 28) individual sessions. There improvements large effect size those who used moderately (P=.008), increases positive mood postintervention (P<.05), acute following daily guided practice (Stretching Breathing, P<.001; Eye Center, Nesting Doll, P=.002; Situation Solver, P=.003; Life Globe, P=.006). revealed benefits such as greater ability remain "centered" despite challenges reframing caregiver experience.App delivery feasible caregivers, including aging seniors. Results showed moderate majority users. Limited provides justification studying improve reduce larger, controlled trials.