Recent research shows that meditation and spiritual health may reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Experts predict that around 152 million people globally will have Alzheimer’s disease by 2050. No medical treatments or pharmaceutical drugs exist to reverse or prevent cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s substantially. However, numerous studies have shown that lifestyle changes can greatly benefit cognitive health.
In fact, a new review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigates how spirituality can reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Published by IOS Press, the study examines research that finds that certain spiritual practices can improve cognitive health. Specifically, a 12-minute meditative practice called Kirtan Kriya shows promise in reducing multiple risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
“The key point of this review is that committing to a brain longevity lifestyle, including spiritual fitness, is a critically important way for aging Alzheimer’s disease-free,” explain authors Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD, Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, Tucson, AZ, USA, and Andrew B. Newberg, MD, Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, Department of Radiology, Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
“We hope this article will inspire scientists, clinicians, and patients to embrace this new concept of spiritual fitness and make it a part of every multidomain program for the prevention of cognitive disability.”
Previous research shows that religion and spiritual health can help to improve cognitive function with age. The authors of this study note that people may practice spirituality within or outside organized religion in today’s world. However, whether people choose to attend religious services or practice in their own homes, spirituality provides benefits either way.
Called “spiritual fitness” in the world of medicine, researchers have begun to observe the benefits of spirituality on psychological wellbeing. The new concept in AD prevention encompasses basic, psychological, and spiritual health.
The study showing how meditation and spiritual health reduce Alzheimer’s risk
Interestingly, the study found that people who scored highly on a “purpose in life” (PIL) measure had greater protection against AD. Individuals who felt more meaning in their lives had 2.4 times the likelihood of remaining AD-free than those with low PIL. In a separate study, participants who had the greatest sense of purpose in life displayed better cognitive performance. Furthermore, a higher PIL had a protective effect on those with pre-existing pathological conditions, slowing their decline.
A growing body of evidence proves that stress is a significant risk factor in many diseases, including Alzheimer’s. However, stress management is often overlooked in measures taken to prevent AD. The authors explain that prolonged stress can increase AD risk due to physical, mental, and emotional imbalances.
A meditation practice called Kirtan Kriya can help reduce the effects of stress
Maintaining spiritual health can make a huge difference in reducing stress and inflammation throughout the body. The authors cite a specific exercise called Kirtan Kriya, a 12-minute singing meditation. It involves various chants, mantras, breathing techniques, and repetitive finger movements. The documented benefits of this meditation practice include:
- lowering stress
- improving sleep quality
- reducing depression symptoms
- increasing overall well-being
- boosting blood flow to areas of the brain involved in cognition and emotional regulation
- increasing grey matter volume
- reducing ventricular size in long-term meditators, which may slow brain aging
- improving cognition
- slowing memory loss
- improving mood
What researchers found
In science, the study of spiritual fitness and its relation to a person’s overall health is relatively new. The emerging field of study, called neurotheology, examines how spiritual health can impact physical and emotional health. So far, the studies have centered around developing models to document which various spiritual practices impact brain regions.
Throughout the last couple of decades, scientists have grown interested in studying how meditation can change the brain. Practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises have grown exponentially over the years. Scientists have utilized neuroimaging and other physiological studies to evaluate the effects of spirituality on the brain.
For example, one neuroimaging study of Kirtan Kriya discovered long-term effects on the brain during meditation and afterward. According to the study authors, these neurotheological studies can enhance understanding of how spiritual health impacts brain function. This exciting new field of study may lead to better treatments for various diseases in the future.
“Mitigating the extensive negative biochemical effects of stress with meditation practices, in tandem with the creation of heightened levels of spiritual fitness, may help lower the risk of AD. Small shifts in one’s daily routine can make all the difference in AD prevention,” Dr. Khalsa and Dr. Newberg conclude. “We are optimistic this article will inspire future research on the topic of spiritual fitness and AD.”
Other ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk
In addition to maintaining spiritual health through meditation, yoga, or prayer, you can help prevent Alzheimer’s in other ways. Here are a few important tips on reducing risk for AD:
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health.
- Get the recommended amount of sleep to keep cortisol levels low.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol excessively.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes per day, 3-4 times per week.
Final thoughts about how meditation and spirituality can reduce Alzheimer’s risk
A new study published by experts in Alzheimer’s research reveals that spiritual health can lower Alzheimer’s risk. Practices such as prayer and meditation can boost cognitive health and even alter neural pathways in the brain. Many studies have proven the benefits of meditation and spirituality on overall health, and this research provides further evidence.
Researchers found that a specific meditation practice called Kirtan Kriya helped reduce Alzheimer’s risk and improve brain function. The 12-minute practice involves breathing techniques, certain sounds, and finger movements. This study proves that small changes in your daily routine, such as this meditation technique, can make a huge difference in your health.
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