Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation

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Meditation Effects on Cognitive Function and Cerebral Blood Flow In Subjects with Memory Loss: A Preliminary Study

As the population of older Americans continues rise, so too does the number of cases of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). With the threat of AD at an all time high, our already overburdened healthcare system is forced to combat an epidemic for which there is no cure. However, slowing the progression of AD by five or ten years would lessen this burden dramatically. The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) is committed to the scientific investigation of lifestyle changes that may slow or prevent cognitive decline

In collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, the ARPF conducted the first-ever study on the impact of meditation on people with memory loss, which was published in 2010 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The study found that Kirtan Kriya, a meditation from the Kundalini yoga tradition, performed 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, increased brain activity in areas central to memory and improved cognition and well-being in patients with memory loss.

Study Design
Fifteen subjects with memory problems, ranging in age from 52 to 77 years, were enrolled in this open-label pilot study. At the start of the study, cognitive tests, as well as images of the brain measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), were taken for each subject using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans. Subjects were taught Kirtan Kriya and instructed to practice it for 12 minutes a day, every day, for eight weeks.

A small comparison group was also recruited in which the practice of meditation was replaced by listening to Mozart violin concertos for approximately 12 minutes each day.

Key Study Findings

CBF was increased in the Kirtan Kriya group in the frontal lobe regions and the right superior parietal lobe
In contrast, a non-significant increase in cerebral blood flow was seen in the music group in the amygdala and precuneus areas of the brain
The Kirtan Kriya group had statistically significant improvements in a neuropsychological test which measures cognition by asking subjects to name as many animals as they can in one minute
Improvements were also seen in the Kirtan Kriya group in three other cognitive tests that measured general memory, attention and cognition
There were no statistically significant improvements in cognition in the music group
Participants found the meditation to be enjoyable and beneficial and perceived their cognitive function to be improved

The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation is a charitable organization registered under s.496.411(3), F.S. A copy of the official registration may be obtained from the division of consumer affairs by calling 1-800-435-7352 Toll-Free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. ARPF's registration number in Florida is CH-31726.

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