Table 1 Summary of MRI findings in dementia caregivers.
Observational | ||
|---|---|---|
Year | Sample | Findings |
2017 | 237 spousal caregivers | Caregivers were more likely to report strain if they had high white matter grades indicating possible damage to white matter integrity of cerebrovascular origin |
2019 | 17 dementia caregivers | Viewing pictures of care recipients vs. strangers elicited greater dorsal anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate cortex activation. In response to pictures of care recipients, caregivers with higher mindfulness scores had greater engagement of prefrontal, middle temporal, precuneus, and cerebellar regions. |
2020 | 41 dementia caregivers | Caregivers were more likely to have at least mild depression symptoms if they had lower white matter integrity in tracts: connecting dorsolateral prefrontal and subgenual anterior cingulate; and tracts connecting to posterior cingulate cortex. |
2021 | 54 dementia caregivers | A lack of “morningness” was associated with higher resting state connectivity between amygdala and posterior cingulate regions, which statistically mediated the association of low “morningness” with depression symptoms |
Interventional | ||
Year | Sample | Findings |
2012 | 9 dementia caregivers | Changes in brain metabolism differed between caregivers who were randomized to relaxation versus meditation. The meditation group had decreases in inferior frontal cortex and posterior cingulate metabolism, whereas the relaxation group had increased metabolism in these regions. |
2021 | 24 dementia caregivers (16 with imaging) | Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (versus a control group) was associated with improved mental health and increased resting state connectivity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. |
2022 | 46 dementia caregivers (n = 28 with imaging) | Results replicated 2021 study (described in the row above) and further showed that increases in resting state dorsolateral prefrontal network connectivity correlated with decreased depression symptoms and increases in trait mindfulness. |
