Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accompanied by cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, have been recognized as safe techniques with beneficial effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga training (KY) compared to memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD (clinicaltrials.gov = NCT03503669). The KY intervention consisted of weekly, 60-min in-person classes with a certified instructor for 12 weeks, with a 12-min guided recording for daily homework practice at home. MET involved 12 weekly in-person group classes with 12-min daily homework exercises. Objective and subjective memory performance were the primary outcomes. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks follow-up for RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays. A total of 79 patients (KY = 40; MET = 39) were randomized, and 63 completed the 24-week follow-up (KY = 65% completion rate; MET = 95%; χ2(1) = 10.9, p < 0.001). At 24-weeks follow-up, KY yielded a significant, large effect size improvement in subjective cognitive impairment measures compared to MET. KYOn a transcriptional level, at 12- and 24-week follow-up, KY uniquely altered aging-associated signatures, including interferon gamma and other psycho-neuro-immune pathways. Levels of chemokine eotaxin-1, an aging marker, increased over time in MET but not KY participants. These results suggest clinical and biological benefits to KY for SCD, linking changes in cognition to the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga.

The Impact of Kundalini Yoga on Cognitive Function and Memory: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…During the subsequent stage, additional papers were excluded based on predefined criteria that did not feature KY as the primary intervention. Five RCTs meeting all inclusion criteria were deemed suitable for review, involving 215 participants [19][20][21][22][23]. The summary characteristics of the studies are outlined in Table 1.…”

“…Eyre et al and Grzenda et al reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms and resilience in the KY groups compared to the control groups [19,20]. These mood improvements were sustained over the 24-week follow-up period.…”

“…Increased hippocampal volume and connectivity suggest that KY enhances neuroplasticity, which is critical for memory formation and cognitive function [21][22][23]. Furthermore, reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and alterations in gene expression related to ageing highlight KY's potential to modulate the immune response, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and mitigating cognitive decline [20]. KY's emphasis on breathwork and meditation may also mitigate stress, a known negative factor for cognitive health.…”

“…Grzenda et al identified that KY uniquely altered ageing-associated gene expression signatures, including reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines [20]. These changes were not observed in the MET group, suggesting that KY may provide anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits at a molecular level.…”

“…Eyre et al [19] consistently showed low risk across all domains, which boosts confidence in the study's findings. Grzenda et al [20] and the smaller studies [21][22][23] exhibited higher risks due to small sample sizes and differential dropout rates between intervention groups.…”