Conclusions
memory loss, anxiety, cognitive impairment, avoidance behaviors, depression
In conclusion, our study evaluated the efficacy of a psychological intervention to reduce ADRD-specific fear and avoidance behaviors in older adults who were highly fearful, but who did not exhibit cognitive impairment. Our intervention was effective at reducing fear and avoidance of memory loss, fear of AD, self-reported memory failures, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and at increasing ability to participate in social activities and well-being. Salutary outcomes were found for both groups, suggesting that psycho-education and mindfulness exercises were sufficient to demonstrate the interventions’ effectiveness. However, including therapeutic components to disrupt patterns of avoidant coping had additional positive outcomes on mood and affect, suggesting a key role for behavioral activation.