Title | Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | Eyre, HA, Acevedo, B, Yang, H, Siddarth, P, Van Dyk, K, Ercoli, L, Leaver, AM, St Cyr, N, Narr, K, Baune, BT, Khalsa, DS, Lavretsky, H |
Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
Volume | 52 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 673-84 |
Date Published | 2016 |
ISSN | 1875-8908 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: No study has explored the effect of yoga on cognitive decline and resting-state functional connectivity. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the relationship between performance on memory tests and resting-state functional connectivity before and after a yoga intervention versus active control for subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Participants ( ≥ 55 y) with MCI were randomized to receive a yoga intervention or active "gold-standard" control (i.e., memory enhancement training (MET)) for 12 weeks. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map correlations between brain networks and memory performance changes over time. Default mode networks (DMN), language and superior parietal networks were chosen as networks of interest to analyze the association with changes in verbal and visuospatial memory performance. RESULTS: Fourteen yoga and 11 MET participants completed the study. The yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression and visuospatial memory. We observed improved verbal memory performance correlated with increased connectivity between the DMN and frontal medial cortex, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, right middle frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and left lateral occipital cortex. Improved verbal memory performance positively correlated with increased connectivity between the language processing network and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Improved visuospatial memory performance correlated inversely with connectivity between the superior parietal network and the medial parietal cortex. CONCLUSION: Yoga may be as effective as MET in improving functional connectivity in relation to verbal memory performance. These findings should be confirmed in larger prospective studies. |
DOI | 10.3233/JAD-150653 |
Alternate Journal | J. Alzheimers Dis. |
PubMed ID | 27060939 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4927889 |
Grant List | K24 MH086481 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 MH077650 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 MH097892 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States |