It is projected that up to 152 million people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by 2050. To date there are no drugs that have a substantial positive impact on either the prevention or reversal of cognitive decline. A growing body of evidence finds that targeting lifestyle and vascular risk factors have a […]
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Credit: Dr. Khalsa and Dr. Newberg
Amsterdam, May 11, 2021 - It is projected that up to 152 million people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer s disease (AD) by 2050. To date there are no drugs that have a substantial positive impact on either the prevention or reversal of cognitive decline. A growing body of evidence finds that targeting lifestyle and vascular risk factors have a beneficial effect on overall cognitive performance. A new review in the
Journal of Alzheimer s Disease, published by IOS Press, examines research that finds spiritual fitness, a new concept in medicine that centers on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, and Kirtan Kriya, a simple 12-minute meditative practice, may reduce multiple risk factors for AD.
Spiritual fitness and meditative practice may reduce multiple risk factors for Alzheimer s disease
It is projected that up to 152 million people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer s disease (AD) by 2050. To date there are no drugs that have a substantial positive impact on either the prevention or reversal of cognitive decline. A growing body of evidence finds that targeting lifestyle and vascular risk factors have a beneficial effect on overall cognitive performance. A new review in the
Journal of Alzheimer s Disease, published by IOS Press, examines research that finds spiritual fitness, a new concept in medicine that centers on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, and Kirtan Kriya, a simple 12-minute meditative practice, may reduce multiple risk factors for AD.
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If you’ve thought about taking up yoga, there’s never been a better time than now to hit that mat. Not only does yoga do body and spirit good (and given how stressful the past year has been, that’s welcome news), but it’s also never been easier to find online classes.
Feeling a little intimidated about giving yoga a try? Don’t be, especially when you consider this: You’re already doing yoga. “If you’re breathing, you’re doing yoga,” says Samantha Parker, MS, certified yoga therapist and kinesiophobia and cognitive movement specialist in Washington, D.C. After all, yoga is about learning to control the breath and meld the mind with the body. Fortunately, anybody can practice yoga, and not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also accessible because you can practice anywhere.
Study: Yoga Can Improve Cognitive Function
Those who practice yoga will tell you just how much that form of physical activity can not only improve your body, but also your mental state. Well, further evidence regarding the latter has been uncovered thanks to a team of researchers from UCLA and Australia’s University of Adelaide.
In a study (which has since been published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease), 25 participants aged 55 and older were entered into either a three-month memory-training program, or one that instead focused on yoga and meditation.
The 11 individuals who took part in the memory-training program were subjected to daily memory enhancement training and memory exercises. Meanwhile, the other 14 people attended Kundalini yoga classes and did 20 minutes of daily Kirtan Kriya meditation that consisted of chanting, visualization of light and hand movements.