Memory and Fear Study (Fear of Memory Loss Study)

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: 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.

Detailed Description: 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

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

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (FAM) Scale Score at Follow-up	10 Weeks Post-Baseline	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.
Fear of Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FADS) Score at Follow-up	10 Weeks Post-Baseline	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.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Memory Failure Scale (MFS)	10 Week Post-Baseline	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.