The current practice of yoga and meditation could reduce the appearance of cognitive disorders in the elderly, according to a California study
Yoga and meditation have it all. According to the work carried out by researchers at the University of California at UCLA, these two practices improve brain and cognitive functions, especially in the elderly. THE’study, published in the scientific journal Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, shows benefits in particular for memory functions, and in Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers followed 25 people aged 55 for three months. Divided into two groups, 11 participants underwent memory workouts and another 14 participated in daily yoga and meditation classes. The latter received courses called Kirtan Kriya. Composed of songs or even hand movements, this practice has been used for millennia by the Indian populations. The Kirtan Kriya is particularly known for allowing its beneficiaries to “age better”. The team of researchers performed brain scans of the participants before and after the three months of exercise. They were also subjected to memory tests.
Significant improvement in spatial and visual memory
After analyzing the data, the researchers observed that the participants, as a whole, exhibited better memorization skills. But those who attended yoga classes also had better spatial and visual memory skills. In addition, a decrease in symptoms related to depression, stress as well as anxiety has been observed among practitioners of Kirtan Kriya. “Yoga reduces stress by lowering inflammation. It also improves the process of neuroplasticity by increasing the levels of antioxidants, ”the researchers explained in their press release.
.
