Can Yoga Protect Your Brain From Shrinking?

Can Yoga Protect Your Brain From Shrinking?

As we age, our brains can shrink. Question is — can we do something about it?

The Experiment

Researchers from UCLA set out to answer this question. They designed a randomized controlled trial for women at high risk for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The study compared two primary intervention groups of women who had subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).

The study lasted for 12 weeks. MRI brain scans were taken before and after the 12-week intervention period to measure any changes in brain structure.

One group was given the standard intervention of Memory Enhancement Training (MET) and the other group was given weekly Kundalini Yoga (KY) and daily Kirtan Kriya (KK).

The Results

The MET group showed overall decrease in Gray Matter Volume (GMV) consistent with age-related decline. In contrast, the yoga group's brain volume was preserved. In some regions like the hippocampus, it even showed signs of increase in gray matter volume — but the strict statistical analysis of the study made sure to not consider this as a true result.

Of course, longer intervention periods and long-term impact need to be studied, but this is a promising start.

Interesting Observations

The researchers acknowledge not fully understanding the mechanism of brain volume preservation with the yoga group. But they suggest some potential considerations — for example, the involvement of movement and sensation (i.e., somatosensory experience) in the yoga practice, as well as the auditory and vocal nature of the practice. The multi-modal nature of Kundalini Yoga and Kirtan Kriya is unique compared to other forms of stimulative exercises.

Conclusion

Yoga can offer neuroprotective effects in women at high risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Link to study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35275541/