Mindfulness may improve cognition in older adults

Mindfulness may provide modest benefits to cognition, particularly among older adults, finds a new review of evidence led by UCL researchers. The systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Neuropsychology Review , found that, while mindfulness is typically geared towards improving mental health and well-being, it may also provide additional benefits to brain health. The study's lead author, PhD candidate Tim Whitfield (UCL Psychiatry) said: "The positive effects of mindfulness-based programmes on mental health are already relatively well-established. Here, our findings suggest that a small benefit is also conferred to cognition, at least among older adults." The researchers reviewed previously published studies of mindfulness, and identified 45 studies that fit their criteria, which incorporated a total of 2,238 study participants. Each study tested the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention delivered by a facilitator in a group setting, over at least four sessions, while excluding mindfulness retreats in order to have a more homogenous set of studies. The majority of studies involved a certified instructor teaching participants techniques such as sitting meditation, mindful movement and body scan, generally on a weekly basis across six to 12 weeks, while also asking participants to continue the practices in their own time. The researchers found that overall, mindfulness conferred a small but significant benefit to cognition.