Impact of Yoga Versus Memory Enhancement Training on Hippocampal Connectivity in Older Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Navigating Prevention: A Systematic Review of Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease in High-Risk and Affected Individuals

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a widespread cause of dementia globally, and its prevalence is increasing due to the aging population. Two key pathologies typically identify this neurodegenerative disease process: the accumulation of amyloid plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau. Diagnosis relies on the patient's clinical presentation meeting specific criteria, along with the use of fluid and imaging biomarkers. The current treatment focuses on addressing symptoms, with ongoing trials aiming to decrease the production and overall impact of brain pathology. Here, we explore various methods to minimize the risks of AD in patients and individuals at high risk of developing it. To address this, we carefully selected 10 articles that discuss various prevention methods used today to promote brain health, including diets that are believed to have neuroprotective properties. The study findings emphasize the importance of further strengthening the evidence and conducting larger randomized controlled trials to gain a better understanding of the potential benefits for individuals at high risk of developing AD, as well as those already diagnosed with it.

The Impact of Kundalini Yoga on Cognitive Function and Memory: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cognitive decline and dementia are significant public health challenges influenced by various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Kundalini yoga (KY) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to enhance cognitive function and memory in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of KY on cognitive function, memory impairment, and related neurobiological and psychological outcomes in older adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies published from January 2000 to December 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included to compare KY with other cognitive enhancement strategies, such as memory enhancement training (MET) and psychoeducation. Five RCTs with 215 participants met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in sample size (11 to 81 participants) and duration (12 to 24 weeks). The participants were older adults (≥55 years) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The interventions compared KY with MET or psychoeducation. KY consistently improved memory performance and executive function. Significant mood enhancements, increased hippocampal volume, and better neural connectivity were observed. KY also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered ageing-related gene expression, demonstrating both cognitive and neurobiological benefits. KY appears to be a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive function, mood, and neurobiological health in older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia. While further research with more extensive, well-designed RCTs is needed to confirm these findings and optimise intervention strategies, the existing evidence supports the integration of KY into cognitive health programmes. Practitioners should ensure proper training and gradual progression to maximise benefits and minimise risks.

Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for alzheimer's disease

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accompanied by cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, have been recognized as safe techniques with beneficial effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga training (KY) compared to memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD (clinicaltrials.gov = NCT03503669). The KY intervention consisted of weekly, 60-min in-person classes with a certified instructor for 12 weeks, with a 12-min guided recording for daily homework practice at home. MET involved 12 weekly in-person group classes with 12-min daily homework exercises. Objective and subjective memory performance were the primary outcomes. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks follow-up for RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays. A total of 79 patients (KY = 40; MET = 39) were randomized, and 63 completed the 24-week follow-up (KY = 65% completion rate; MET = 95%; χ2(1) = 10.9, p < 0.001). At 24-weeks follow-up, KY yielded a significant, large effect size improvement in subjective cognitive impairment measures compared to MET. KYOn a transcriptional level, at 12- and 24-week follow-up, KY uniquely altered aging-associated signatures, including interferon gamma and other psycho-neuro-immune pathways. Levels of chemokine eotaxin-1, an aging marker, increased over time in MET but not KY participants. These results suggest clinical and biological benefits to KY for SCD, linking changes in cognition to the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga.

The Therapeutic Potential of Yoga for Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and behavioral changes, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. While pharmacological treatments offer limited relief, nonpharmacological interventions, like yoga, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. This critical review synthesizes findings from various studies on the feasibility, adherence, physical function, cognitive improvements, inflammatory markers, neuroprotection, and mood and behavioral changes associated with yoga interventions for older adults with AD. Despite these promising results, further research with randomized controlled trials, larger sample sizes, control groups, longitudinal follow-ups, standardized protocols, and diverse populations is necessary to confirm these benefits and understand the long-term effects of yoga on AD progression. This critical review highlights yoga's potential as a valuable nonpharmacological intervention in the holistic management of AD.