Integrative Stress Reduction Program for Family Caregivers of Persons With Advanced Dementia: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Older adults with advanced dementia require significant care, leading to high stress levels in caregivers. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of an Integrative Stress Reduction Program on Thai caregiver’s outcomes of stress, sleep quality, and caregiver-assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia. Methods: A single-blind randomized-controlled trial was conducted. A sample of family caregivers of people with dementia was recruited from memory clinics at outpatient community health centers in Thailand and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group were enrolled in 5 intervention sessions over 4 weeks, while the control group received usual care. Outcome variables were collected at baseline, 4 weeks postintervention, and 8 weeks of follow-up. Results: Compared with the control group, caregivers in the experimental group (n = 27) had significantly decreased stress ( p < .01) and better sleep quality ( p < .01), and caregivers reported that their family members with dementia (n = 27) had decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms ( p < .01) after the intervention (week 4) and at the 8-week follow-up. Conclusions: The Integrative Stress Reduction Program improved outcomes for caregivers and decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia.