Stress and hypertension self‐care pilot study for Black women caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis National Institutes on Aging study protocol (R21AG077069‐01 NIA) will test a behavioral intervention, Mindfulness in Motion plus the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (MIM DASH), to promote hypertension self‐care in African American women caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.MethodTwenty‐eight participants will be randomized to MIM DASH or Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Training groups, delivered 8 weekly, 1‐hour group sessions via telehealth (video and telephone access). Data are collected at baseline, 3 and 9 months that include a) psychosocial surveys and Healthy Eating Index—DASH score and b) blood pressure, hair cortisol, and an objective stress reactivity/stress resilience battery.ResultMIM DASH will be feasible and acceptable, and will decrease caregivers’ stress and improve quality of life; higher stress resilience will enhance the relationship between MIM DASH and intervention adoption while higher stress reactivity will diminish this relationship.ConclusionSubstantive contributions to the science of behavior change, design of self‐care interventions, and the adoption of healthy behaviors will be achieved. Results will inform infrastructure for a larger trial to reduce health disparities among African Americans.