What’s This Research About?
Medical management of dementia is limited due to the high cost of therapy, potential adverse effects of drugs used, and low efficacy. There is a need to complement existing therapies with other interventions such as yoga and mind-body practices.
Many studies on mind-body relaxation techniques have shown potential improvement in cognitive function and age-related cognitive decline. Yoga can have a down-regulatory effect on the stress response, increasing oxygen flow to the brain and neurotransmitter activity.
This study is a meta-analysis that reviewed and synthesized findings from studies on the impact of yoga-related practices on cognitive function in older adults with dementia or at risk for dementia.
TITLE: Effects of yoga-related mind-body therapies on cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis
PUBLICATION: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
DATE: 2021
AUTHORS: Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, Ross Andel, Brent J Small
Dementia: A general term for the progressive decline of cognitive function that worsens with age.