Mind-body therapies for older adults with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key summary pointsAim To systematically review the literature on the effects of mind-body therapies (MBTs) among older adults with dementia. Findings The enrolled randomised controlled trials were of moderate methodological quality, and the meta-analysis showed that Tai Chi among the included seven MBTs could have a mild effect on global cognitive function. MBTs may be beneficial for depression and quality of life. Message Limited evidence suggested that MBTs could improve health outcomes among older adults with dementia. Purpose This systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to determine the effects of mind-body therapies (MBTs) among older adults with dementia. Methods We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) for publications investigating the effect of MBTs until July 14th, 2020. We included published peer-reviewed RCTs among participants with a mean age of 60 and above and a diagnosis of any dementia. Eligible studies included measurements for all types of health outcomes, including cognitive function, neuropsychiatric inventory, depressive syndromes, agitation, psychosocial status, and other health outcomes. Two investigators extracted data, the risk of bias for each study was evaluated through Review Manager, and statistical meta-analysis was performed using Stata. Results A total of nine studies met the eligibility criteria, with full-text available for systematic review. Five of them, with 338 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. For most included RCTs of the review, the methodological quality was moderate. The meta-analysis showed that Tai Chi had a mild effect on global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, SMD = 0.40, 95% CI 0.10-0.70). Yoga and aromatherapy may also be beneficial for depression, and these three MBTs improved quality of life. Conclusion The current review suggested that MBTs may act as potential non-pharmaceutical approaches to improve certain health outcomes among older populations with dementia. Systematic review and meta-analysis registration: PROSPERO CRD42021198514.