Lavretsky (2013)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.889
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionDepression in dementia caregivers
Clinical domainCognition & Neurodegeneration
PopulationDementia caregivers
Sample sizen = 39
Country / SettingUSA - UCLA Semel Center; dementia caregiver focus
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya (12-min)
Duration8 weeks, 12 min/day Kirtan Kriya
Control typeActive Control
ComparatorRelaxation music
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeInflammation/Biomarkers
Scales usedBDI; telomerase; immune gene expression; CAPS
Key resultDepression decreased 60%; telomerase increased; immune genes upregulated
Effect sized = 0.87 (depression BDI); large effect; d = 0.71 (telomerase)
ES value0.87 (d)
Retention95% (37/39 completed)
SafetyNo adverse events; improved wellbeing
Methodological Summary
Randomized; biomarker outcomes; small sample
KY Protocol Components
Kirtan Kriya: 12-minute singing meditation using mantra "Sa-Ta-Na-Ma" with finger movements (thumb touches index, middle, ring, pinky sequentially). Structure: 2 min aloud → 2 min whisper → 4 min silent → 2 min whisper → 2 min aloud. STUDY-SPECIFIC: Dementia caregivers with depression; 8 weeks; groundbreaking telomerase activity (biological aging marker) outcomes.
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
3
A2
3
★B1
3
★B2
3
B3
3
B4
3
★B5
3
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
3
B9
3
★C1
2
C2
2
C3
2
JP1
3
Critical fails0
Raw QI0.889
SAF1
Adjusted QI0.889
Final ratingHigh