Since the prevalence of dementia tends to increase globally, it is critical to understand its cognitive issues and related evidence-based interventions. The cognitive changes caused by dementia include disorientation, short-term memory loss, and personal care challenges. To cope with these ambiguous losses, people with dementia can be offered mindfulness training that aims at strengthening a patient’s ability to direct his or her attention at the moment and act with awareness (Berk et al., 2018). Training implies several sessions devoted to meditation techniques, such as breathing, as well as focusing on feelings, thoughts, and sensations. Mindfulness-based interventions for patients with dementia are expected to develop their flexibility and broaden their attention, leading to positive emotions and stress reduction (van Boxtel et al., 2021). In addition, not only patients but also their caregivers are expected to benefit from mindfulness training.
A plan for implementing meditation training should begin with a patient evaluation and explaining to him or her techniques to be practiced. Considering that the patient has memory impairments, reduced mental flexibility, and disorientation, an 8-week training program based on 90-minute group sessions and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can be designed. The goals to be achieved are cognitive control, the ability to handle disorientation and confusion periods, and mastering the skills of breathing and being at the moment. Since the potential cognitive impairments may involve aging-related challenges and emotion regulation problems, the patient should also be provided with meditation techniques to prevent anxiety and depression (Berk et al., 2018). The studies show that patients receiving meditation training for cognitive issues of dementia improved their verbal memory, decreased perceived stress levels, and experienced a higher quality of life than before the intervention (Berk et al., 2018). Thus, the rationale for engaging this patient in mindfulness training is its potential benefits to mental health and a lack of negative outcomes.
References
Berk, L., Warmenhoven, F., van Os, J., & van Boxtel, M. (2018). Mindfulness training for people with dementia and their caregivers: Rationale, current research, and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 982-992.
van Boxtel, M. P., Berk, L., E. de Vugt, M., & van Warmenhoven, F. (2020). Mindfulness-based interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers: Keeping a dyadic balance. Aging & Mental Health, 24(5), 697-699.