Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

The Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Psychological Distress in People With Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional Radboud University Medical Center · NCT05779137

This study tests if Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy can help people with Parkinson's Disease feel less stressed and improve their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nijmegen)
Trial IDNCT05779137 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD), focusing on how stress reduction can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms. Participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD and experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress will undergo MBCT to assess its impact on their condition. The study aims to provide evidence on the relationship between stress and PD progression, potentially leading to new treatment approaches. The intervention will be conducted at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging in Nijmegen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease for 10 years or less, experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, significant cognitive dysfunction, or those who have previously participated in similar mindfulness programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's Disease by alleviating stress-related symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for mindfulness interventions in various psychological and somatic disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for Parkinson's Disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of idiopathic PD made by a movement disorders specialist.
* PD disease duration is ≤10 years, defined as time since diagnosis made by a neurologist.
* Mild-moderate symptoms of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score \>10 points).
* Subject can read and understand the Dutch language.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe neurological or psychiatric co-morbidity (e.g. psychosis or suicidality).
* Contraindications for MRI (e.g. brain surgery in medical history, claustrophobia, an active implant, epilepsy, pregnancy, and/or metal objects in the upper body that are incompatible with MRI).
* Moderate to severe head tremor (to avoid artifacts caused by extensive head motion during scanning).
* Cognitive dysfunction (clinical diagnosis of dementia, or a score of 20 or lower on the MoCA, which will be measured at T0).
* Previous participation in MBSR or MBCT (\>4 sessions).

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson's DiseaseMindfulnessMindfulness-based cognitive therapyDisease progression
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.