Telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, is linked to chronic stress and depression. Psychological stress cognitions, such as threat appraisals and rumination, can prolong stress reactivity and may shorten telomeres. In contrast, mindfulness meditation shifts appraisals from threat to challenge, reduces rumination and stress arousal, and may increase positive arousal states. A review of data connects telomere length to cognitive stress and arousal, and new data links cognitive appraisal to telomere length. The authors propose that mindfulness meditation may benefit telomere maintenance by reducing cognitive stress and arousal and enhancing positive states, with ongoing trials testing this model.
Older adults with HIV and cognitive impairment who took an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program showed significant improvement in depression symptoms immediately after the program compared to a waitlist control group, but this benefit was not maintained one month later. The MBSR group also reported improved quality of life from the start of the program to the 16-week follow-up. Cognitive performance, including speed of information processing, working memory, attention, and impulsivity, did not differ between the MBSR and control groups. MBSR may help alleviate depression and improve quality of life in older individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, but sustaining these benefits requires further study.