Daily mindfulness practice with and without slow breathing has opposing effects on plasma amyloid beta levels.
Kaoru Nashiro, B Rael Cahn, Paul Choi, Hye Rynn J Lee, Shaakhini Satchi, Jungwon Min, Hyun Joo Yoo, Christine Cho, Noah Mercer, Lorena Sordo, Elizabeth Head, Jeiran Choupan, Mara Mather
medRxiv March 11, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.10.25323695 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Duration | One week |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Slow breathing during mindfulness meditation decreased plasma amyloid beta levels, whereas normal breathing during meditation increased them, and a no-intervention control group showed no changes. |
Abstract
Prior research suggests that meditation may slow brain aging and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, we lack research systematically examining what aspect(s) of meditation may drive such benefits. In particular, it is unknown how breathing patterns during meditation might influence health outcomes associated with AD. In this study, we examined whether two types of mindfulness meditation practices - one with slow breathing and one with normal breathing - differently affect plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) relative to a no-intervention control group. One week of daily mindfulness practice with slow breathing decreased plasma Aβ levels whereas one week of daily mindfulness practice with normal breathing increased them. The no-intervention control group showed no changes in plasma Aβ levels. Slow breathing appears to be a factor through which meditative practices can influence pathways relevant for AD.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 21
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- Long-term mindfulness training is associated with reliable differences in resting respiration rate Scientific Reports June 7, 2016
- Why could meditation practice help promote mental health and well-being in aging? Alzheimer's Research & Therapy June 22, 2018
- Slower respiration rate is associated with higher self-reported well-being after wellness training Scientific Reports September 24, 2023
- Respiratory function in healthy long-term meditators: A cross-sectional comparative study Heliyon July 22, 2023
and 16 more in the library