Memory and Fear Study (Fear of Memory Loss Study)

N/ACompletedNCT04821960

Northwestern University81 enrolled

Overview

This study is a randomized control study to determine the impact of a tailored, web-based mindfulness program to reduce anxiety and increase the quality of life in older adults experiencing dementia-related fears, relative to a conventional meditation program.

The study will test two different types of online mindfulness programs to see if an online self-paced mindfulness program can help reduce anxiety related to memory loss. Participants will be involved in the study for a total of 10 weeks. Participants will log on to an online mindfulness program 4 days per week for about 10-20 minutes each. The total program will last 3 weeks. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires before starting the program, during the program, and after they complete the program.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Anxiety and Fear

Interventions

Tailored Mindfulness Program for Fear of Memory LossBEHAVIORAL

The tailored mindfulness program has been specifically created to focus on fear of memory loss compared to general mindfulness lessons and activities.

Conventional Mindfulness ProgramBEHAVIORAL

Routine non-tailored mindfulness lessons and activities.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 55 years of age or older * Elevated dementia-related fear * Able to read/write in English * Willingness to be randomized to intervention group * Willingness to complete three weeks of self-guided intervention, questionnaires, and cognitive tests. * Access to a reliable internet connection Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, or dementia by a healthcare provider. * Impaired cognitive or neurologic function * Unstable medical condition * Severe depression * Current treatment for anxiety or depression * Current participation in another psychotherapy * Current use of psychiatric medication * Current substance use disorder * Inadequate vision or hearing to interact with study materials

Locations (1)

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (FAM) Scale Score at Follow-up

A 24-item scale to assess fear of memory loss. Scores range from 24-120 points with a higher score indicating a higher fear of memory loss.

Time frame: 10 Weeks Post-Baseline

Fear of Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FADS) Score at Follow-up

A 30-item scale to assess fear of Alzheimer's disease. Minimum score = 0; maximum score = 120. A higher score indicates a greater fear of developing Alzheimer's Disease.

Time frame: 10 Weeks Post-Baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Memory Failure Scale (MFS)

A 12-item scale that measures memory failure that people tend to experience in everyday life. Minimum score=12; maximum score= 60. A higher score indicates a greater likelihood of memory failures.

Time frame: 10 Week Post-Baseline

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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