Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Ideal interventions for the older aged population would be those that are easily accessible and associated with minimal burden on family members, the healthcare system and the individuals themselves. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) are two interventions that may be effective in targeting cognitive deficits in individuals with anxiety, depression, and/or cognitive complaints. MBSR has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and improve cognition and tDCS has been shown to improve cognition in the older aged population. The effectiveness of these two interventions combined to elicit changes in cognition has yet to be demonstrated. Therefore, the overall aim of the current research is to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of MBSR and tDCS to improve cognitive function in individuals with cognitive complaints and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. This will be a randomized pilot study. Sixteen individuals (separated into 2 groups of 8) will be randomized to receive a combination MBSR + active tDCS or MBSR + sham tDCS over 8 weeks. Participants will visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) once per week for in-class group sessions and will complete the intervention daily at home for the duration of the study. Participants will be aged 60 and older with cognitive complaints, with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Participants will be trained to self-administer tDCS and given guidelines for the completion of daily MBSR activities at home. It is hypothesized that the combination of active tDCS + MBSR will enhance cognition compared to the combination of sham tDCS + MBSR.