A randomized controlled trial of two simple mind-body programs, Kirtan Kriya meditation and music listening, for adults with subjective cognitive decline: Feasibility and acceptability.
OBJECTIVE
In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of two simple home-based relaxation programs in adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline, a strong predictor of Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
Sixty participants were randomized to a beginner Kirtan Kriya meditation (KK) program or a music listening (ML) program. Participants were asked to practice 12min daily for the first 12 weeks, then as often as they liked for the following 3 months. Participants underwent assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 6 months to evaluate changes in key outcomes. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated by measuring recruitment and retention rates, assessment visit attendance, practice adherence, and treatment expectancy; exit questionnaires completed at 12 weeks and 6 months provided additional data regarding participant experience with the study, perceived barriers to and facilitators of practice, reasons for drop-out, and views regarding the assigned intervention.


RESULTS
Fifty-three participants (88%) completed the 6 month study. Adherence in both groups was excellent, with participants completing 93% (91% KK, 94% ML) of sessions on average in the first 12 weeks, and 71% (68% KK, 74% ML) during the 3 month, practice-optional, follow-up period. At week 12, over 80% of participants indicated they were likely to continue practicing following study completion. Responses to both structured and open-ended exit questionnaire items also suggested high satisfaction with both programs.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this RCT of a beginner meditation practice and a simple ML program suggest that both programs were well accepted and the practices are feasible in adults with early memory loss.
Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, United States; Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States. Electronic address: KInnes@hsc.wvu.edu.
Kim E
KE
Innes
Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, United States; Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
Terry Kit
TK
Selfe
Department of Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM and the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, Tucson, AZ, United States.
Dharma Singh
DS
Khalsa
Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, United States.
Sahiti
S
Kandati
D000368:Aged; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy
Alzheimer’s disease; Meditation; Memory; Music; Subjective cognitive decline