Effects of Heartfulness Meditation Practices on Control of Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review.
Kamaraj Arunachalam, Kalyana Sundaram Chandran
Iranian journal of public health December 1, 2021 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i12.7925 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis review article examines how regular Heartfulness meditation may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by improving mental health and neurophysiological functioning. Based on a qualitative analysis of 10 articles from databases including PubMed and Web of Science up to May 2020, the authors report that practitioners experienced emotional wellness, joy, sound sleep, and reduced stress, tension, and anger. They also observed increased alpha and delta brain wave activity and changes in neuroplasticity among practitioners. The authors conclude that regular Heartfulness meditation improves cognitive ability and neurophysiological functions, potentially suppressing Alzheimer's disease risks, though they note the analysis is qualitative.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review article (qualitative analysis of literature) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with chronic insomnia, students of different age groups, Heartfulness meditation practitioners, and caregivers (from selected articles) |
| Intervention | Heartfulness meditation |
| Keywords | Alzheimer’s disease Heartfulness meditation Literature Qualitative research |
| Key finding | Argues that regular Heartfulness meditation improves cognitive ability and neurophysiological functions, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. |
Abstract
Progressive stress levels, aging and less care on mental health among adults lead to a decline in neurophysiological functioning and diminish the performance of working memory. Regular practice of meditation through Heartfulness will enhance mental health and thereby considerably reduce the risks of Alzheimer's disease. This review article was carried out from the literature available on databases such as PubMed, MED-LINE, Web of Science and Research Gate until May 2020. A qualitative analysis of the impact of Heartfulness meditation on people with chronic insomnia, students of different age groups, Heartfulness meditation practitioners and caregivers were summarized. From the survey results of selected 10 articles, it has been observed that the people who were practicing meditation through Heartfulness gain emotional wellness, joy, sound sleep pattern and reduction of stress, tension and anger. Moreover, the level of brain waves of the practitioners, especially alpha and delta activities in the brain were increased and there was a tremendous change in neuroplasticity among the practitioners. Regular practice of meditation through Heartfulness improves the cognitive ability of the practitioners, with improved neurophysiological functions and suppresses the risks of Alzheimer's diseases.