Mentalizing Imagery Therapy mobile application for family dementia caregivers: feasibility and effects on mood and caregiving

• DOI: 10.31231/osf.io/cgpfs
• Publication Date: 2018-10-05T17:21:15Z
• Authors: Abu Sikder; Francis Yang; Rhiana Schafer; Glenna A. Dowling; Lara Traeger; Felipe A. Jain
• Keywords: Depression; Affect; Family Caregivers

Objectives: Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease related dementias are at high risk for depression stress disorders. We investigated the feasibility a mobile application (App) intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery mindfulness, facilitate self-regulation increase perspective on mental life self others. Method: A 4-week pilot trial an MIT App people dementia was conducted assess use, mood symptom benefit, relationship changes. Semi-structured interviews were study’s conclusion characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Results: 80% 21 consented participants downloaded App, utilized it least once, further analyzed. Of these participants, average usage audio recordings 14 ± 10 (SD) days out 28 possible, 29 individual sessions. Acute improvement in from before after completion exercises uniformly observed (p < .001), four weeks there significant positive affect reduction negative affect. Participants severe levels (n=3) baseline exhibited symptoms 4 averaging 30% .05). revealed ability remain “centered" despite caregiving challenges, take loved one, positively reframe caregiver experience.Conclusion: delivery is feasible caregivers. Results showed moderate app majority users, promising improvements depression. These data provide justification larger, controlled trials.