Olga Klimecki

Objectives: Regular self-compassion practice is associated with improved mental health by fostering kindness toward one’s suffering and relying on self-related processes like perspective-taking. It is not known whether recently described self-related processes that rely on multisensory bodily signals, induced by exposing participants to an avatar and multisensory stimulation, also contribute to self-compassion meditation. We integrated virtual reality (VR)-based self-compassion meditation with multisensory stimulation promoting self-identification with the avatar. Method: We designed a 17-min-long practice that integrated multisensory stimulation, and audio-guided self-compassion meditation. Twenty-six participants completed an avatar-based self-compassion condition (ASC) and a standard self-compassion condition (SSC) in a within-subject design. Pre- and post-meditation assessments included scores of the State Self-Compassion Scale, Self-Other Four Immeasurables Scale, and an Own Body Transformation task to measure self-compassion, positive and negative qualities, and perspective-taking ability, respectively. Results: Participants in both ASC and SSC conditions demonstrated significantly higher self-compassion scores ( p < 0.001), increased positive qualities, and reduced negative valence (interaction effect: p < 0.001) versus baseline. Perspective-taking ability, as measured in the OBT task, improved in the ASC versus SSC condition. Conclusions: This study showed that (1) incorporating VR-based multisensory stimulation with an avatar into self-compassion practice (ASC) was feasible, (2) both ASC and SSC induced higher compassion ratings characterized by decreased negative and increased positive qualities compared to the baseline, and that (3) ASC meditation improved perspective-taking more than SSC. We proposed that multisensory perceptual cues provided by VR can support perspective-taking, potentially fostering empathetic engagement towards oneself, aiding self-compassion practices. Preregistration: This study is not pre-registered.

Compassion, the feeling of concern for a suffering other, accompanied by the motivation to help, is theoretically central to prosocial behaviour across group boundaries, yet evidence from non-WEIRD and conflict-affected settings remains scarce. This paper presents three exploratory lab-in-the-field studies of a socio-emotional learning (SEL) intervention grounded in Humanitarian Principles and Values. Exploratory Study 1 was implemented across four non-WEIRD countries (Armenia, Belarus, The Gambia, and Russia; n = 96 adolescents and young adults). Overall effects of the SEL intervention on social emotions or prosocial behaviour were not detected. However, intervention-induced increases in compassion predicted greater willingness to help out-group members, identifying compassion as a candidate mechanism linking humanitarian education to intergroup prosocial behaviour. Exploratory Study 2 (Appendix B) reports a feasibility study of a condensed one-day intervention in Zambia (n = 21), including a six-month follow-up on resilience and loneliness. Exploratory Study 3 (Appendix C) reports a feasibility study of a two-day intervention in South Sudan (n = 43), including a six-month follow-up on resilience and loneliness. Together, these feasibility studies extend the methodology to sub-Saharan and conflict-affected East African contexts. Both studies confirmed the methodological feasibility of the SEL intervention and the viability of longitudinal follow-up in resource-constrained contexts.

Background: Potentially modifiable lifestyle and psychological factors may influence Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related brain pathology and cognitive function, thereby influencing cognitive resilience in late life. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated associations and pathways between lifestyle and psychological factors related to cognitive reserve and psychological debt, AD-related biomarkers, and cognitive function, as well as potential differences in these associations between AD risk groups. Methods: In total, 298 non-demented older adults (mean age = 69.5 years, 44% women) of the DELCODE study were included. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the associations between the constructs of cognitive reserve (education, occupational complexity, leisure activity participation) and psychological debt (depression and anxiety symptoms, neuroticism, sleep quality), manifest AD-related biomarkers (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] amyloid-beta [Aβ] 42, splenial white matter hyperintensities [WMH], hippocampal volume), and latent cognitive function of increased AD risk (Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite [PACC]). In the structural equation model, biomarkers were transformed such that higher values indicated greater AD-related brain pathology and age was included as a covariate. Multigroup analyses assessed moderations by established AD risk modifiers, namely sex and apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE ε4) genotype. Results: In the total sample, higher cognitive reserve was associated with better cognitive function ( p = .005), independent of AD-related biomarkers. Higher cognitive reserve was associated with lower psychological debt ( p = .035); however, neither construct showed a significant association with the AD-related biomarkers ( p ≥ .177). AD-related biomarkers of CSF Aβ42 ( p = .021), splenial WMH ( p = .044), and hippocampal neurodegeneration ( p = .007) were each independently associated with lower cognitive function. Most associations were comparable between AD risk groups stratified by sex and APOE ε4 genotype. The relationships between cognitive reserve and psychological debt, and between CSF Aβ42 and splenial WMH were stronger in APOE ε4 non-carriers than in carriers (all p ≤ .020). Conclusions: Cognitive reserve emerges as a key resilience pathway, supporting late-life cognition independently of AD-related pathology, with largely consistent effects across AD risk groups. The role of psychological debt warrants longitudinal investigation, particularly in vulnerable older populations. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00007966, Registered: 4 May 2015.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of age‐related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, underscores the need for accessible, cost‐effective lifestyle interventions to reduce modifiable dementia risk factors and support healthy aging.METHODS: REMINDer is a randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating the feasibility and impact of a 6‐week online, home‐based, live‐streamed multimodal group intervention delivered via videoconferencing. The program, designed for older adults, integrates music, dance movement, and mindfulness. Using a cross‐over design (AB‐BA), participants (N = 50) are randomized to receive the intervention with two 60‐min sessions per week or a passive control (with delayed intervention).RESULTS: Digital outcome assessments were conducted remotely at baseline, post‐intervention, and follow‐up. Primary outcomes include feasibility (adherence rate) and changes in mental and physical well‐being (SF‐12). Secondary outcomes include changes in multi‐domain health and lifestyle behaviors.DISCUSSION: REMINDer will provide evidence on the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a scalable online multimodal intervention to support healthy aging and reduce dementia risk.Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06530277Protocol: SR‐EK‐477112023Highlights: Randomized controlled pilot trial of an online multimodal mind–body group intervention for older adults. Primary outcomes: Feasibility and changes in mental and physical well‐being. Secondary outcomes: Changes in multi‐domain health and lifestyle behaviors. Remote lifestyle intervention to promote healthy aging and prevent dementia.

Objectives:Regular self-compassion practice is associated with improved mental health by fostering kindness toward one’s suffering and relying on self-related processes like perspective-taking. It is not known whether recently described self-related processes of self-identification, that rely on multisensory own body signals (tested in virtual reality (VR) by exposing participants to an avatar and multisensory stimulation) also contribute to self-compassion meditation. We integrated virtual reality (VR)-based self-compassion meditation with multisensory stimulation promoting self-identification with the avatar. Methods:We designed a practice that integrated VR, multisensory stimulation, and audio-guided self-compassion meditation. Participants carried out a VR-based avatar self-compassion condition (ASC), and a standard self-compassion condition (SSC). Pre- and post-meditation assessments included scores of the State Self-Compassion Scale, Self-Other Four Immeasurables (SOFI) Scale, and an Own Body Transformation task to measure self-compassion, positive/negative qualities, perspective-taking ability, and electrocardiogram (ECG), respectively.Results:Participants in both ASC and SSC condition, demonstrated significantly higher self-compassion scores, increased positive qualities, and reduced negative valence (SOFI) versus baseline. Perspective-taking ability, as measured in the OBT task, improved in the ASC versus SSC condition, without any ECG differences. Conclusions:This study shows that (1) incorporating VR-based multisensory stimulation with an avatar into self-compassion practice (ASC) is feasible, (2) both ASC and SSC induced higher compassion ratings characterized by decreased negative and increased positive qualities comparable to the baseline, and that (3) ASC meditation improved perspective-taking more than SSC. We propose that multisensory perceptual cues provided by VR can support perspective-taking, potentially fostering empathetic engagement towards oneself, aiding self-compassion practices.

Background: The increase in life expectancy and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is a global challenge. Given the drawbacks of pharmacological treatments, it is important to pursue non-pharmacological strategies for dementia risk reduction. To effectively promote health and well-being in later life, multimodal, low-threshold, and cost-effective lifestyle interventions are needed. Methods: REMINDer is a monocentric, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility and impact of an online (home-based and live-streamed) multimodal intervention. The 6-week (two one-hour sessions/week) mind-body group intervention will be compared to a 6-week passive control (waitlist with delayed intervention) using a cross-over (AB-BA) design. The intervention was designed for older adults and includes music, dance-based movement, and mindfulness. A total of N =50 cognitively unimpaired older adults will be enrolled and randomized into the two intervention arms using a block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Results: Outcomes will be assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up using digital assessments of online questionnaires. Primary outcomes include feasibility, operationalized by adherence rates, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. The latter will be assessed by changes in self-reported mental and physical well-being, operationalized by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Secondary outcomes will include changes in cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional/affective, social, and lifestyle health behaviors. Discussion: The study will provide evidence of the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online multimodal mind-body intervention based on “Arts for Health” activities. If successful, the study may inform accessible lifestyle strategies to improve mental health and well-being and other risk factors for dementia in older adults. Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT06530277 Protocol: SR-EK-477112023

Aging is associated with cognitive changes, even in the absence of brain pathology. This study aimed to determine if meditation training, by comparison to active and passive control groups, is linked to changes in the perception of cognitive functioning in older adults. One hundred thirty-four healthy older participants from the Age-Well Randomized Clinical Trial were included: 45 followed a meditation training, 45 a non-native language training and 44 had no intervention. Subjective cognition was assessed at baseline and following the 18-month intervention period. Perception of attentional efficiency was assessed using internal and external Attentional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) subscale scores. Perception of global cognitive capacities was measured via the total score of Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS). Deltas ([posttest minus pretest scores]/standard deviation at pretest) were calculated for the analyses. Generalized mixed effects models controlling for age, sex, education and baseline scores revealed that meditation training decreased the vulnerability score toward external distractors measured by the ASQ compared to non-native language training. However, no between-groups differences on ASQ internal or CDS total scores were observed. Results suggest a beneficial effect of meditation practice on perceived management of external distracting information in daily life. Meditation training may cultivate the ability to focus on specific information (e.g., breath) and ignore stimulation from other kinds of stimuli (e.g., noise).

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.

Persistent fatigue constitutes a prevalent and debilitating symptom in several diseases. The symptom is not effectively alleviated by pharmaceutical treatments, and meditation has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention. Indeed, meditation has been shown to reduce inflammatory/immune problems, pain, stress, anxiety and depression which are associated with pathological fatigue. This review synthesizes data from randomized control trials (RCTs) that explored the effect of meditation-based interventions (MeBIs) on fatigue in pathological conditions. Eight databases were searched from inception to April 2020. Thirty-four RCTs met eligibility criteria and covered six conditions (68% cancer), 32 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The main analysis showed an effect in favor of MeBIs compared to control groups (g = 0.62). Separate moderator analyses assessing control group, pathological condition, and MeBI type, highlighted a significantly moderating role of the control group. Indeed, compared to actively controlled studies, studies using a passive control group were associated with a statistically significantly more beneficial impact of the MeBIs (g = 0.83). These results indicate that MeBIs alleviate pathological fatigue and it seems that the studies with a passive control group showed a greater effect of MeBI on the reduction of fatigue compared to studies using active control groups. However, the specific effect of meditation type and pathological condition should be analyzed with more studies, and there remains a need to assess meditation effects on different types of fatigue (i.e., physical and mental) and in additional conditions (e.g., post-COVID-19).