Mindfulness for Parkinson’s and Caregivers

Interventional Study

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Full study title: Mindfulness meditation with neurofeedback to reduce stress and improve well-being of people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers – a feasibility study

Study Summary

This study will explore whether an 8-week, at home, app-based mindfulness meditation program is acceptable and engaging for participant with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

What is the study about?

In this study, we will use a mobile app called Muse and a lightweight headband to deliver the mindfulness meditation program. This headband works together with the app to give users feedback on when they are in a mindful state or not to help guide their practice. This small pilot study will test if the study methods are practical and if participants find the Muse meditation program acceptable and engaging.

People living with Parkinson’s often feel stressed, which can make their symptoms worse. Care partners of individuals with Parkinson’s also experience more stress, anxiety, and depression compared to others. The results will help in the design of a larger study that can evaluate the benefits of a Muse-based mindfulness intervention on psychological well-being, stress, cognition, and quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s and care partners.

Eligibility – Who can participate?

  • People 18 years of age and older
  • Caregivers of someone with Parkinson’s Disease or Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
  • Participants need to have access to a mobile device or tablet with internet at home, reside in Ontario, and be able to attend two in-person visits at Baycrest

Time requirement

The whole study should take 12 weeks to complete and will take approximately 12 hours, not counting the meditation time.

  • Online screening session (1 hour)
  • 8-week meditation program
    • In-person Baseline Assessment Visit (2 hours)
    • Online Orientation (2 hour)
    • Daily meditation sessions for 10-30 minutes
    • In-person Post-intervention Assessment Visit (2 hours)
  • 4-week follow up period
    • Study Feedback survey and interview (1 hour)
    • Meditation is optional during this period

TDRA study investigator

Dr. Eugenie Roudaia

TDRA Site:

Baycrest,

Address: 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E1

Age Group:

Target Population:

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Disclaimer

The listing of a study on the Toronto Dementia Network (TDN) is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and four memory clinics across Toronto at Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).