Mindfulness-based Dementia Care Partner Program to Reduce Depressive Symptoms

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of implementation of the Mindfulness Based Dementia Care (MBDC) program to reduce depressive symptoms in care partners (CPs) of people living with dementia (PLWD).

8 week MBDC Course including 8 weekly 2 hour classes and a retreat (4 hours). Individual classes will be held virtually via web-based video calls.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a standardized program that is both psychoeducation and skills-based, which uses mindfulness meditation practices to help people better cope with their emotions. This study uses a version of MBSR designed specifically for care partners of people living with dementia (PLWD) called Mindfulness Based Dementia Caregiving. Mindfulness Based Dementia Caregiving (MBDC) is a program with 8 weekly 2 hour sessions (plus one extended practice 4 hour retreat) including both formal and informal mindfulness practices, role play, and lectures combined with some dementia-specific education. Participants learn how to incorporate mindfulness practices into day-to-day life to help cope with the challenges and stresses of dementia care.

Calculation of the participants who attend the first class of their session/the total number of participants who are enrolled. Enrolled is defined as a participant who is assigned to a course. Range [0-1]. A value closer to 1 is indicative of greater feasibility.

Calculation of the participants who completed course/ participants who attend the first class of their session. Completion is defined as attending a minimum of 6 of the 9 classes. Range [0-1]. A value closer to 1 is indicative of greater feasibility.

Completeness of questionnaires given over the course of the study. Completeness is defined as answering all questions.

Measured using Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-6). Total of 6 questions scored on a 5 point scale (0-4). The sum of the 6 questions in the total score. Range: 0-24. A higher score is indicative of greater caregiver burden. Change in control period compared to change in intervention period.

Measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Total of 10 questions scored on a categorical scale (0-3). The sum of the 10 questions is the total score. Range: 0-30. A total value above 10 is considered to be a sign of depression. A higher score represents a greater degree of depressed mood. Change in control period compared to change in intervention period.

Measured using "The State Self-Compassion Scale Short Form." Uses a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 to 5. [Range: 12-60] Higher scores indicates more self compassion.

Measured using The 5-Item Mindful Attention Awareness Scale - State This is a 5-item scale to indicate at what level they relate to specific experiences, aimed at measuring main characteristics of mindfulness: (scale is 0-"not at all" to 6-"very much"). [Range: 0-30] Higher scores indicate elevated levels of mindfulness expression.

Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥18 years Self-identify as being an informal CP providing caregiving to a PLWD Register for an MBDC course through the Presence Care Website Exclusion Criteria: Previous participation in an MBDC program. Does not speak and understand either English or Spanish.