Effects of mindfulness training and exercise on cognitive function in healthy older adults without dementia: the MEDEX clinical trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundA 2×2 factorial multi‐site randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine whether Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), exercise, or their combination improve cognitive function in older adults..Method585 older adults (aged 65‐84; mean age 71.5, 72.5% women) with subjective cognitive concerns but no dementia were randomized to MBSR, exercise with aerobic, strength and functional components, combined MBSR and exercise, or a health education control group. Interventions lasted 18 months and consisted of group‐based classes and home practice.ResultNeither MBSR, exercise, nor their combination significantly improved either primary outcome of memory or cognitive control (composites of neuropsychological tests), or secondary outcomes of hippocampal volume, DLPFC thickness and surface area, functional cognitive capacity or self‐reported cognitive concerns.ConclusionAmong older adults with subjective cognitive concerns but without dementia, mindfulness training, exercise, or both did not significantly improve cognitive or brain structural outcomes.