Meditation's impact on cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment: A pilot study

Background. Effect of meditation on various domains of cognition in aging and patients at risk of dementia is receiving growing attention. The potential of mindfulness to reduce, slow down or prevent cognitive decline in patients with high risk of developing dementia is a curious topic of discussion with vast clinical implications. However, the effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) on cognitive functions in patients with cognitive decline is very poorly understood. Aim. The aim of this study was to examine effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods. 14 MCI patients participated in the program. The severity of their cognitive decline was assessed by CogState cognitive tests. Results. Results showed that, when comparing values before and after completing MBSR, MCI patients significantly improved in cognitive task assessing psychomotor functions, but not in tasks assessing attention, visual learning, or working memory. Conclusion. Data suggest that mindfulness may positively influence certain cognitive domains in MCI patients. However, further studies with larger sample size, follow-up data and active control group are needed.