Effect of Body Scanning and Walking Mindfulness on the Spatial Memory of Persons with Dementia
Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental August 11, 2025 Ranil Acharige, Kanthi Hettigoda, Gayan Karunarathne
A pilot study tested whether mindfulness body scanning and walking improve spatial memory in people with dementia. Sixty individuals screened for dementia completed an 8-week intervention of either body scanning meditation or walking meditation. Spatial memory was assessed before and after using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure. Paired t-test analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in spatial memory scores from pre to post intervention, but between-group differences were not significant. The authors conclude that both interventions together improve spatial memory, but it is unclear which is more effective. The study is presented as a first pilot in Sri Lanka, suggesting future controlled trials.