The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on cognitively unimpaired older adults' cognitive function and sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Colm Lannon-Boran, Caoimhe Hannigan, Joanna McHugh Power, Jonathan Lambert, Michelle Kelly
Aging & Mental Health 2024 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2228255 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 563 |
| Population | Adults over 55 with no known cognitive impairment |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mbi Cognitive function Older adults Sleep quality |
| Key findings | Meta-analyses of seven randomized controlled trials found no significant differences between mindfulness-based intervention groups and controls on executive function, free recall, or delayed recall. Mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved sleep quality compared with controls. The authors recommend further research on sleep quality's role in the mindfulness-cognitive function relationship in cognitively unimpaired older adults. |
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on cognitively unimpaired older adults' cognitive function and sleep quality.Method: Studies published in English since 2010 were considered for inclusion. Databases searched were PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adults over 55 with no known cognitive impairment, that recorded cognitive outcomes and/or sleep quality pre- and post-intervention, and that implemented Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), or an MBI closely based on MBSR protocol.Results: Seven RCTs fit the inclusion criteria, with 276 participants in MBI groups and 287 in controls. Four studies investigated mindfulness and cognitive function, two investigated mindfulness and sleep quality, and one investigated mindfulness, cognitive function, and sleep quality. Some studies were not reported in sufficient detail to be included in meta-analyses. Results of meta-analyses showed no significant differences between MBI groups vs controls on cognitive measures of executive function, free recall, and delayed recall. Meta-analysis revealed that MBI significantly improved sleep quality compared to controls.Conclusion: Given that poor sleep quality is strongly linked to increased risk of cognitive decline, further research investigating sleep quality's role in the mindfulness-cognitive function relationship in cognitively unimpaired older adults is recommended.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being in Athletes: A Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials Healthcare September 8, 2026
- The Effect of Mindfulness and Compassion Program on Older Adults as a Positive Aging Intervention International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership June 24, 2026
- Effects of an Age-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Program on Psychological Well-Being, Mindfulness, and Sleep Quality in Older Adults Clinical Gerontologist June 5, 2026
- Using a Digital-Based Mindfulness Curriculum to Enhance Healthy Aging Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. JMIR human factors May 13, 2026
- A randomized clinical trial of mindfulness training versus a health promotion program: Impact on cognitive and mental health in older immigrants. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2025
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- The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of 44 Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Perspectives on Psychological Science February 16, 2021
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