The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) are increasingly utilized to improve mental health. Interest in the putative effects of MBPs on cognitive function is also growing. This is the first meta-analysis of objective cognitive outcomes across multiple domains from randomized MBP studies of adults. Seven databases were systematically searched to January 2020. Fifty-six unique studies (n = 2,931) were included, of which 45 (n = 2,238) were synthesized using robust variance estimation meta-analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses evaluated moderators. Pooling data across cognitive domains, the summary effect size for all studies favored MBPs over comparators and was small in magnitude (g = 0.15; [0.05, 0.24]). Across subgroup analyses of individual cognitive domains/subdomains, MBPs outperformed comparators for executive function (g = 0.15; [0.02, 0.27]) and working memory outcomes (g = 0.23; [0.11, 0.36]) only. Subgroup analyses identified significant effects for studies of non-clinical samples, as well as for adults aged over 60. Across all studies, MBPs outperformed inactive, but not active comparators. Limitations include the primarily unclear within-study risk of bias (only a minority of studies were considered low risk), and that statistical constraints rendered some p-values unreliable. Together, results partially corroborate the hypothesized link between mindfulness practices and cognitive performance. This review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018100904].

The effectiveness of a single session of mindfulness-based cognitive training on cardiac vagal control and core symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a preliminary randomized controlled trial

“…Furthermore, these studies used behavioral measures, both self and other (participant’s parents or teachers) informant ratings to assess treatment effects of MBIs on ADHD symptomology, whereas we used a computerized attention test. Usually, the effect sizes for neurocognitive variables in comparable trials are typically small, even more so if an active control group is used [ 27 ]. Since the trial was powered to detect changes in ADHD symptoms as assessed by behavioral measures, we were likely underpowered for neurocognitive variables, such as CPTs.…”

Inhibitory control, working memory and coping with stress: Associations with symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with Huntington’s disease.

“…These findings have potentially important implications for interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in adults with HD. First, there is support for the efficacy of interventions (e.g., mindfulness, cognitive training) to enhance specific aspects of executive functioning in typical populations (Whitfield et al, 2021) and those with other neurogenerative diseases (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease; Ghielen et al, 2019; Manglani et al, 2020). Second, there is ample evidence to support the efficacy of cognitive behavioral interventions to enhance skills that comprise secondary control coping skills, including acceptance and cognitive reappraisal, in the treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety.…”

Effects of a mindfulness-based versus a health self-management intervention on objective cognitive performance in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD): a secondary analysis of the SCD-Well randomized controlled trial

“…Improving cognition is an important step toward dementia prevention, and future research is needed to delineate the mechanisms of action of these interventions and to utilize clinical endpoints (i.e., progression to mild cognitive impairment or dementia). [14,20]. While these evidence syntheses were not SCDspecific, SCD overlaps with both healthy cognitive aging (both lack objective cognitive impairment) and also MCI (both are associated with increased dementia risk).…”

“…Two recent reviews concluded that MBIs reduce depressive symptoms in older adults, although the evidence for anxiety was mixed [12,13]. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis found that MBIs outperformed comparators for objective cognitive function outcomes in older (but not younger) individuals [14]. Health self-management programs (HSMPs) are a commonly used active comparator in MBI RCTs [15][16][17], although in other studies, they are the primary focus.…”