Kundalini Yoga and Cognitive Wellness: Insights from a UCLA Health Study
A recent research investigation conducted by UCLA Health revealed that Kundalini yoga offers multiple advantages for enhancing cognition and memory in older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These benefits include restoring neural pathways, preventing brain matter decline, and reversing aging and inflammation markers. Interestingly, these positive outcomes were absent in a group that underwent conventional memory training exercises.
Kundalini yoga, an ancient spiritual practice from India, strengthens the body as well as enhances self-awareness and consciousness.
The study involved 79 women over 50 with a specific genetic variant linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. This gene variant is also associated with other factors such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and abnormal blood vessels in the brain.
Participants were divided into two groups: one practicing Kundalini yoga, and the other receiving traditional memory training exercises.
The researchers observed promising results in the yoga group:
Kundalini yoga enhances cognitive function by promoting new neural connections. It slows down brain tissue loss, commonly seen in Alzheimer’s. The practice also improves aging-related biomarkers, indicating reduced cellular stress and potential damage.
The study primarily focused on Kundalini yoga, which incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and physical postures. The researchers suggest that other forms of yoga may offer similar benefits. They propose integrating yoga into a comprehensive brain health strategy, potentially alongside memory training exercises, for older adults.
