The Age‐Well randomized controlled trial of the Medit‐Ageing European project: Effect of meditation or foreign language training on brain and mental health in older adults
Géraldine Poisnel, Eider M. Arenaza‐Urquijo, Fabienne Collette, Olga Klimecki, Natalie L. Marchant, Miranka Wirth, Vincent de la Sayette, Géraldine Rauchs, Eric Salmon, Patrik Vuilleumier, Eric Frison, Aline Maillard, Denis Vivien, Antoine Lutz, Gaël Chételat
Alzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.10.011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 137 |
| Population | Cognitively unimpaired older adults |
| Interventions | Meditation-based intervention Foreign language training |
| Duration | 18-month intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Randomized controlled trial Intervention counseling Psychological intervention Mental health Cognition Cognitive training Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 103 |
| Key findings | The trial is ongoing and results are not yet reported; it aims to assess whether an 18-month meditation-based intervention promotes mental health and well-being in elderly people. |
Abstract
Introduction: The Age-Well clinical trial is an ongoing monocentric, randomized, controlled trial aiming to assess an 18-month preventive meditation-based intervention directly targeting the attentional and emotional dimensions of aging to promote mental health and well-being in elderly people.
Methods: One hundred thirty-seven cognitively unimpaired older adults are randomized to either an 18-month meditation-based intervention, a structurally matched foreign language training, or a passive control arm. The impact of the intervention and underlying mechanisms are assessed with detailed cognitive, behavioral, biological, neuroimaging and sleep examinations.
Results: Recruitment began in late 2016 and ended in May 2018. The interventions are ongoing and will be completed by early 2020.
Discussion: This is the first trial addressing the emotional and cognitive dimension of aging with a long-term nonpharmacological approach and using comprehensive assessments to investigate the mechanisms. Results are expected to foster the development of preventive strategies reducing the negative impact of mental conditions and disorders.