Impact of mindfulness‐based and health self‐management interventions on mindfulness, self‐compassion, and physical activity in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: A secondary analysis of the SCD‐Well randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have a higher risk of dementia. Reducing this risk through behavioral interventions, which can increase emotional well‐being (mindfulness and compassion) and physical activity, is crucial in SCD.

METHODS: SCD‐Well is a multicenter, observer‐blind, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. Three hundred forty‐seven participants (mean [standard deviation] age: 72.7 [6.9] years; 64.6% women) were recruited from memory clinics in four European sites to assess the impact of an 8‐week caring mindfulness‐based approach for seniors (CMBAS) and a health self‐management program (HSMP) on mindfulness, self‐compassion, and physical activity.

RESULTS: CMBAS showed a significant within‐group increase in self‐compassion from baseline to post‐intervention and both a within‐ and between‐group increase to follow‐up visit (24 weeks). HSMP showed a significant within‐ and between‐group increase in physical activity from baseline to post‐intervention and to follow‐up visit.

DISCUSSION: Non‐pharmacological interventions can differentially promote modifiable factors linked to healthy aging in older adults with SCD.