Yoga May Protect Against Cognitive Decline, Study Finds

You probably know that yoga is good for your mood and body. Research says it’s also good for your brain health, protecting against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Researchers say that yoga’s four components—breathing, physical relaxation, postures, and meditation—lower stress and inflammation linked to poor brain health. It can also improve the brain’s ability to use limited cognitive resources.
 
Brain scans have shown greater gray matter in the hippocampus of people who practice yoga, a brain region involved in memory.
 
According to The Washington Post, about 17 percent of Americans participate in yoga. It’s a good complement to aerobics and strength training, and many love it on their own, especially if they’re unable to perform other movements.
 
Previous research showed that yoga improves attention, processing speed, executive function, and memory. The new study, published this year in the journal Nature, says it can also help older people at risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
 
In it, 79 women at least 50 years old who reported cognitive decline were divided into two groups. One group practiced yoga daily for 12 weeks and reported significantly less subjective cognitive impairment compared to the others, who had received training to improve their memories.
 
More research is needed to solidify the results. However, it aligns with what is already known about yoga and brain health and the growing research supporting aerobic and strength training to improve cognition and lower the risk of dementia.
 
The mind-body connection is real – and crucial to optimal aging.

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