Yoga offers distinct cognitive advantages to older women vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease
A new UCLA Health study, published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, has found that yoga offers multiple cognitive benefits for older women at risk of Alzheimer's disease. These include restoring neural pathways, preventing brain matter decline, and reversing aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers.
Led by UCLA Health psychiatrist Dr. Helen Lavretsky of the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the study aimed to assess if certain types of yoga could mitigate cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease trajectories in postmenopausal women, who face approximately twice the risk of developing the condition compared to men, attributed to factors such as longer life expectancy, menopausal estrogen level changes, and genetics.
For the study, over 60 women aged 50 and above with self-reported memory problems and cerebrovascular risk factors were recruited from a UCLA cardiology clinic. They were split into two groups: one engaged in weekly Kundalini yoga sessions for 12 weeks, while the other underwent weekly memory enhancement training. Researchers evaluated cognition, subjective memory, depression, and anxiety after the initial 12 weeks and again 12 weeks later to evaluate the sustainability of any improvements. Blood samples were collected to analyse gene expression related to ageing markers and inflammation, both linked to Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, a subset of patients underwent MRIs to examine brain matter changes.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.