Improving psychological well-being of dementia caregivers

A new study to be published in the journal Health Psychology finds that having caregivers of dementia patients focus on positive events and giving thanks can help lessen depression and other symptoms associated with caregivers. Here’s more on the work:

• The context: Dementia caregivers — who are often family members or friends — experience high rates of depression and other mental health issues.
• The intervention: Close to 200 caregivers were enrolled in the trial, half of whom were assigned to six weeks of therapy. These participants were taught eight emotion regulation skills — including being grateful and performing acts of kindness — intended to increase positive emotion.
• The results: At the end of the six-week trial, participants assigned to the intervention group reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and better physical health than those in the control group, showing potential for this intervention to help a wider group.