Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: No study has explored the effect of yoga on cognitive decline and resting-state functional connectivity.Objectives: This study explored the relationship between performance on memory tests and resting-state functional connectivity before and after a yoga intervention versus active control for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods: Participants ( ≥ 55 y) with MCI were randomized to receive a yoga intervention or active “gold-standard” control (i.e., memory enhancement training (MET)) for 12 weeks. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map correlations between brain networks and memory performance changes over time. Default mode networks (DMN), language and superior parietal networks were chosen as networks of interest to analyze the association with changes in verbal and visuospatial memory performance.Results: Fourteen yoga and 11 MET participants completed the study. The yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression and visuospatial memory. We observed improved verbal memory performance correlated with increased connectivity between the DMN and frontal medial cortex, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and left lateral occipital cortex. Improved verbal memory performance positively correlated with increased connectivity between the language processing network and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Improved visuospatial memory performance correlated inversely with connectivity between the superior parietal network and the medial parietal cortex.Conclusion:Yoga may be as effective as MET in improving functional connectivity in relation to verbal memory performance. These findings should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.

The Neural Mechanisms of Meditative Practices: Novel Approaches for Healthy Aging

“…Brain activation (brain fMRI)t1: 6-min control (silently generating list of animals)t2: after 12 min of meditation Khalsa et al (2009) [46]KKExpert meditators;healthyM: n  = 11 (34.5; SD 13.5)1. Brain SPECTt1: rest, eyes closedt2: 12 min of meditationRandomized controlled trials Eyre et al (2016) [1•]KK for 12 weeksNovice meditators; MCIMETM: n  = 14 (67.1; SD 9.5)C: n  = 11 (67.8; SD 9.7)1. Resting-state brain fMRIt1: rest Pomykala et al (2012) [30]KK for 8 weeksDementia caregivers; healthyMusicM: n  = 4 (56; SD 10.1)C: n  = 5 (49.8; SD 3.9)1.…”

“…For example, a recent pilot study that compared resting-state brain activity among a group of individuals reporting mild cognitive issues (MCI) that were randomly assigned to a daily brief yogic meditation (Kirtan Kirya) with once-weekly KY class condition versus a rigorous “memory enhancement training” control condition showed significant correlations between improvements in clinical measures of verbal memory and visual–spatial memory performance in the yoga group with connectivity in the DMN and the language processing network, respectively [1•]. Thus, this study showed that an active meditation practice may be as effective as a “gold standard” memory enhancement training program for improving memory and brain connectivity, which may be particularly useful for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those experiencing acute or chronic stress deleterious for cognitive and physical functioning.…”

“…In recent times in the West, these practices have increasingly been used by millions of people for stress reduction, enhancing well-being, and improving coping with chronic diseases of aging, such as cancer, and various neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases [1•, 2–5]. Growing scientific evidence supports clinical use and efficacy of some interventions with increased understanding of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms [6].…”

“…The results showed that enhanced verbal and visual–spatial memory performance was associated with increased connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) of the brain known to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders and AD [1•].…”

“…Many of these regions are also affected in cognitive and mood disorders, aging-related diseases, and other disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases [32, 33]. In fact, several clinical studies have started to investigate meditations’ effectiveness in enhancing memory and cognitive function in individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairments (MCIs) to more severe forms, such as Alzheimer’s disease [1•, 3, 4, 24]. In sum, structural differences resulting from meditation were found in areas that affect awareness, attention, memory, and emotion regulation; thus, researchers have started to investigate meditation’s effectiveness for alleviating symptoms associated with cognitive, mood, and age-related disorders.…”