Mindfulness and meditation: Promoting emotional and cognitive health.
Nethmini Navoda Sirimanne, Nupur Dahiya, Garbis Papazian, Nasmiya Nazeer, Berihan Elemam
Progress in Brain Research 2025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.08.015 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Older adults |
| Intervention | Mindfulness and meditation |
| Topics | Meditation Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based interventions mbis |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness and meditation practices are effective therapeutic approaches for enhancing cognitive function, emotional resilience, and mental health in older adults, though methodological variability and psychological risks remain challenges. |
Abstract
The global rise in age-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, significantly impacts healthcare systems and quality of life. Mindfulness and meditation (MM), rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, are gaining attention as promising non-pharmacological treatments. This chapter examines the historical evolution, scientific foundations, therapeutic benefits, and existing challenges of mindfulness and meditation practices in promoting emotional and cognitive health among older adults. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing from clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, neuroscientific studies, and literature reviews available in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed articles published in English, focusing specifically on mechanisms and therapeutic impacts of MM in aging populations, were included. Evidence supports MM's efficacy in enhancing cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall mental health through mechanisms like neuroplasticity, increased gray matter density, improved autonomic balance, and reduced cortisol secretion. However, substantial challenges persist, including methodological variability, psychological risks such as anxiety or dissociative symptoms, and cultural sensitivity concerns, complicating broader implementation. Mindfulness and meditation are effective therapeutic approaches for addressing emotional and cognitive impairments associated with aging. Nevertheless, addressing methodological consistency, psychological safety, and cultural inclusivity remains critical. Further studies should emphasize methodological standardization, culturally adapted interventions, and technological innovations such as digital platforms and virtual reality to enhance MM's accessibility and effectiveness.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 57
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- The meeting of meditative disciplines and western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist 2006
- The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists PLoS One May 24, 2017
- Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences June 1, 2016
- The effect of loving-kindness meditation on positive emotions: a meta-analytic review Frontiers in Psychology November 3, 2015
and 52 more in the library