Mind-Body Interventions as Modulators of Neural Connectivity and Cognition in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60%-70% of dementia cases, and current drugs offer limited relief. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that yoga, meditation, and related mind-body practices improved memory, attention, executive functions, mood, and quality of life in people with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective memory decline. Neurobiological benefits included preserved hippocampal volume, better functional connectivity, higher brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and lower neuroinflammation markers. The authors conclude these interventions show promise as complementary approaches but note that small samples and short durations limit the evidence, calling for larger long-term trials.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, contributing to nearly 60%-70% of dementia cases. Current pharmacological treatments provide limited symptomatic relief and minimal efficacy in altering disease progression, highlighting the need for complementary interventions. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation are increasingly explored for preserving cognitive abilities and reducing neurodegenerative risk. This systematic review evaluated randomized controlled trials investigating yoga, meditation, and related mind-body interventions on cognitive and neural health in individuals with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective memory decline. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies published up to March 2025 were reviewed. Findings showed improvements in memory, attention, executive functions, mood, and quality of life. Neurobiological benefits included preservation of hippocampal volume, improved functional connectivity, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and reduced neuroinflammation markers. However, methodological limitations such as small sample sizes and short intervention durations were common. Mind-body interventions show promising cognitive and neurobiological benefits in populations at risk of AD. Yoga and meditation may serve as feasible, cost-effective complementary approaches alongside conventional therapy. Larger long-term clinical trials are needed to establish standardized protocols and sustained therapeutic effectiveness.