Affiliation:
1. Emergency Medicine Woodlands Health Singapore Singapore
2. Major Operating Theatre Woodlands Health Singapore Singapore
3. Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
4. School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
5. NUSMED Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
Abstract
AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) on mental and cognitive outcomes including, anxiety, depression, attention, memory, global cognition and neuroplastic changes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.Data sourceA three‐step search strategy was conducted on eight electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists from inception to February 2022.Review methodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining MBIs on older adults with MCI were screened and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan using a random‐effect model. Narrative synthesis was performed for studies where results could not be pooled statistically.ResultsTen RCTs were included in the review. Results suggested that right frontal parietal and left inferior temporal gyrus of the brain showed increased cortical thickness after receiving MBIs. There were significant interaction effects for global efficiency and significant interactions in the insular and gyrus regions. Functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus were increased in participants undergoing MBIs. Nevertheless, meta‐analysis showed non‐significant pooled effects, favouring control groups on anxiety, depression, attention, memory and global cognition.ConclusionThis review suggested the potential effects of MBIs in improving cortical thickness and connectivity in regions associated with memory and attention. Nevertheless, the effects of MBIs compared to active control groups on depression, anxiety, attention, memory and global cognition are inconclusive due to the lack of studies and non‐significant results.ImpactThe review advocates for more rigorous studies with larger sample size and utilizing wait‐list controls to evaluate the effects of MBIs. MBIs can be considered as an adjunct with other therapies to further enhance the effect on psychological and cognitive outcomes for older adults with MCI.No Patient or Public Contribution as this is a meta‐analysis.