Abstract
Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are at high risk of depressive and anxiety disorders and physical morbidity. We investigated the feasibility of an app-based intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery and mindfulness to facilitate self-regulation and increase perspective on the mental life of self and others. A 4-week pilot trial was conducted to measure usage of audio recordings, positive and negative mood, and depression symptom changes. Semi-structured interviews were administered at the study’s conclusion to characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Our results demonstrated that 80% of 21 caregivers downloaded the App, utilized it at least once, and were further analyzed. Of these subjects, average usage was 14 ± 10 (SD) days out of 28 possible, and 43 ± 37 individual sessions. Acute improvement in mood after completion of exercises was uniformly observed, and after four weeks there was a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect. Subjects with severe levels of depression at baseline exhibited an improvement in symptoms at 4 weeks averaging 30%. Semi-structured interviews revealed an increase in the ability to remain centered despite caregiving challenges and positively reframe the caregiver experience. We conclude that mobile application delivery of MIT is feasible for informal dementia caregivers. Results showed moderate to high usage of the app for a majority of the users, and promising improvements in mood and depression. These data provide justification for larger controlled trials.