Impact of MBSR Therapy on Stress in People with Cognitive Impairments, a Prisma Guided Review

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-established program with a strong evidence base, renowned for its rigorous mindfulness training tailored to assist individuals coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. In this comprehensive review, our primary focus centers on assessing the impact of MBSR on stress reduction. Additionally, we delve into secondary outcomes, including its influence on depression, cognitive function, quality of life, and its potential advantages for individuals grappling with cognitive impairments, particularly Mild Cognitive Impairment, Subjective Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer's Disease, and related forms of dementia. Our analysis encompasses fifteen studies that employ a diverse range of evaluation methods, encompassing stress measurement scales, assessments of hippocampal volume, analysis of HPA axis activity, and EEG measurements, to scrutinize the effects of MBSR. The collective findings strongly indicate that MBSR functions as a versatile intervention capable of mitigating chronic stress and depression, augmenting cognitive function, and enhancing overall well-being. To gain a deeper understanding of these effects, future research endeavors should explore the underlying mechanisms, account for individual variations, and assess the sustained, long-term benefits of MBSR.