NIH-funded research R21 grant

Pilot Mindfulness Intervention for Chronic Pain and Early Cognitive Decline in Older Black Adults

Official title: Pilot RCT of MBCT vs Health Enhancement Program for the Chronic Pain-Early Cognitive Decline Co-Morbidity Among Older Black Adults

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11440208 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A small study tests a mindfulness-based program tailored for older Black adults with chronic pain and early cognitive decline to see if it’s feasible and possibly helpful.

More Chronic Pain research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$247,500
NIH project number1R21AG104008-01
Project IDNIH-11440208 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults 60 years and older who are Black, live with chronic pain, and show early cognitive decline.

Less likely to help

Individuals without chronic pain or without early cognitive decline may not experience direct benefits.

What this research studies

This project adapts mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for a co-morbidity of chronic pain and early cognitive decline in adults over 60 who are Black. Participants will be randomly assigned to the adapted MBCT program or a time-matched Health Enhancement Program as an active comparison, delivered by peer instructors in the community. The study will measure feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity, along with indicators of physical function, pain, mood, and cognitive function to gather preliminary signals of benefit. Researchers will also explore how mindfulness and coping strategies relate to outcomes. If promising, this pilot could lay the groundwork for larger trials to improve quality of life and slowing progression in ADRD risk groups.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a feasible, community-based option to ease pain and support cognitive functioning in at-risk older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous MBCT approaches show promise for mood and function; this study tests a tailored version in a specific at-risk population.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pham, Tony V — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Pham, Tony V

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.