Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Clara Rastelli, Lucia Calabrese, Constance Miller, Antonino Raffone, Nicola De Pisapia
Summary: Research evaluated the effectiveness of the integrated mental training program The Art of Happiness on psychological well-being in a general population, demonstrating positive effects on dimensions such as life satisfaction, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, with both short-term and longitudinal impacts.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Philip C. Carullo, Elizabeth A. Ungerman, David G. Metro, Phillip S. Adams
Summary: The study found that using the Headspace (R) application can reduce depression scores and increase feelings of personal achievement, but does not improve burnout caused by depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. Trainees completed a significant number of meditation sessions during the study, which helped improve their mental health.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka, Nirmala Dushyanthi Sirisena, Nilakshi Samaranayake
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of meditation practice on the quality of life, mindfulness level, and plasma telomerase activity in healthy adults. The results showed that experienced meditators had higher levels of mindfulness, quality of life, and plasma telomerase compared to non-meditators. Trait mindfulness level was significantly correlated with the duration of meditation practice and predicted plasma telomerase level.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tammi R. A. Kral, Helen Y. Weng, Vikramjit Mitra, Theodore P. Imhoff-Smith, Erdrin Azemi, Robin I. Goldman, Melissa A. Rosenkranz, Sarah Wu, Andrew Chen, Richard J. Davidson
Summary: Mind-body interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can improve well-being by increasing awareness and regulation of physiological and cognitive states. This study found that lower baseline respiration rate (RR) is associated with better psychological well-being and that MBSR can decrease RR, leading to improved medical symptoms. Overall, this research suggests that physiological markers, such as RR, can indicate higher well-being in individuals who engage in wellness practices.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Mansee Thakur, Yogesh Patil, Sanjana T. T. Philip, Tahreem Hamdule, Jayaram Thimmapuram, Nishant Vyas, Kapil Thakur
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of Heartfulness meditation on psychological and genetic variables. The results show that Heartfulness meditation significantly reduces cortisol levels, increases telomere length, decreases anxiety and perceived stress, and improves well-being and mindfulness.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Melis Anaturk, Tobias Kaufmann, James H. Cole, Sana Suri, Ludovica Griffanti, Eniko Zsoldos, Nicola Filippini, Archana Singh-Manoux, Mika Kivimaki, Lars T. Westlye, Klaus P. Ebmeier, Ann-Marie G. de Lange
Summary: In this study, machine-learning methods were used to estimate brain and cognitive age, revealing a link between premorbid IQ and cognitive age. The study did not find strong evidence for associations between brain or cognitive age and lifestyle trajectories.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Esther N. Moszeik, Timo von Oertzen, Karl-Heinz Renner
Summary: Previous studies have shown the positive impact of meditation-based interventions on stress and well-being. This study further explores the effects of an 11-minute Yoga Nidra meditation on stress, sleep, well-being, and mindfulness. The results demonstrate that even a very short dose of meditation can positively influence stress, sleep, and well-being, and mindfulness increases during the meditation.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra J. J. Dinius, Carmen E. E. Pocknell, Michelle P. P. Caffrey, Richard A. P. Roche
Summary: The human lifespan has greatly increased due to advancements in sanitation, medicine, and nutrition, but this has led to higher rates of cognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Risk factors for these disorders include executive function, lifestyle factors, and cognitive reserve. Non-pharmacological approaches, including physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation, are essential for preserving brain health. In this article, we discuss our research on Reminiscence Therapy (RT) for promoting cognitive and psychological function in old age and early dementia, as well as future directions for tailored interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Yasushi Ito, Cheryl A. Browne, Kazumi Yamamoto
Summary: The study aimed to compare the impacts of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on novice meditators and regular meditators. The results showed that regular meditators had higher scores on self-compassion and mental health compared to novice meditators at baseline. Both groups showed significant improvements in various measures after the program, with the post-program scores of novice meditators comparable to the baseline scores of regular meditators.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Zheng, Jingyi Zhou, Xianglong Zeng, Mingyan Jiang, Tian P. S. Oei
Summary: This study developed a mindfulness-based positive psychology (MBPP) intervention and found that it significantly reduced negative emotions and improved environmental mastery, leading to enhanced subjective well-being and psychological well-being.
JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Neuroimaging
Gabriel Ducharme-Laliberte, Samira Mellah, Sylvie Belleville
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between brain maintenance and cognitive ability in older adults. The results suggest that the maintenance of white matter integrity is associated with better working memory and a stimulating lifestyle.
BRAIN IMAGING AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Eric B. Loucks, William R. Nardi, Roee Gutman, Frances B. Saadeh, Yu Li, David R. Vago, Lauren B. Fiske, Jayson J. Spas, Abigail Harrison
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of a mindfulness-based college health program (MB-College) on young adults aged 18-29. Results showed that MB-College had significant positive effects on the health, loneliness, and self-regulation mechanisms of young adults.
PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Ashley M. Fraser, Chelom E. Leavitt, Jeremy B. Yorgason, Amber A. Price
Summary: Compassion is crucial for sexual relationships as it enhances self-awareness, understanding, and connection, leading to intimate expressions of sexual emotion. This study explores how mindfulness, compassionate relational attitudes, and behaviors are linked to sexual well-being and sexual mindfulness in newly married couples. The results show that compassion is positively related to sexual well-being for both partners and compassionate behaviors have long-term effects on their partner's sexual well-being.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eric D. Tifft, Shannon B. Underwood, Max Z. Roberts, John P. Forsyth
Summary: The study found a significant relationship between control-based meditation practices and psychological distress. Evaluating the intentions guiding meditation practices is particularly important for individuals who struggle with emotional or psychological experiences.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Preeti Upadhyay, Akshaj Joshi, Isha Mishra, Lauren Kelly, Lena Novack, Sepideh Hariri, Kestutis Kveraga, Balachundhar Subramaniam
Summary: This study demonstrates that the practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya through an online mind-body intervention can significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance mindfulness.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Florence Requier, Anne Sophia Hendy, Marco Schlosser, Harriet Demnitz-King, Tim Whitfield, Gael Chetelat, Olga Klimecki, Antoine Lutz, Natalie L. Marchant, Fabienne Collette
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between dispositional mindfulness (or more generally trait meditation capacities) and cognition in older adults. The results showed a positive relationship between the "deconstructive capacity" associated with self-inquiry and downregulation of maladaptive affective schemes, and global cognition in healthy aging. However, it remains unclear to what extent explicit training in meditation positively influences these capacities and whether these changes contribute to better cognition in aging.
Article
Neurosciences
Robin de Flores, Elizabeth Kuhn, Brigitte Landeau, Nicolas Delcroix, Julie Gonneaud, Denis Vivien, Solene Demeilliez-Servouin, Lea Chauveau, Gael Chetelat
Summary: Medial temporal lobe subregions, including the entorhinal cortex, perirhinal cortex, and hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA)1, are differentially affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated the relationship between amyloid (A beta) and APOE epsilon 4 with MTL atrophy using baseline data from 130 participants. The results showed an interaction between A beta and APOE epsilon 4 status with age on CA1, indicating their specific involvement in early AD-related atrophy.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Claire Andre, Elizabeth Kuhn, Stephane Rehel, Valentin Ourry, Solene Demeilliez-Servouin, Cassandre Palix, Francesca Felisatti, Pierre Champetier, Sophie Dautricourt, Paul Yushkevich, Denis Vivien, Vincent de la Sayette, Gael Chetelat, Robin de Flores, Geraldine Rauchs, Medit Ageing Res Grp
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and medial temporal lobe neurodegeneration, as well as subsequent episodic memory impairment. The study found that SDB was associated with reduced volumes of medial temporal lobe subregions in amyloid-positive individuals, but not in amyloid-negative individuals. Additionally, lower baseline volumes of the whole hippocampus and CA1 were associated with worse episodic memory performance at follow-up.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elizabeth Kuhn, Audrey Perrotin, Renaud La Joie, Edelweiss Touron, Sophie Dautricourt, Matthieu Vanhoutte, Denis Vivien, Vincent de La Sayette, Gael Chetelat
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between informant-reported subjective memory decline and Alzheimer disease biomarkers. The results showed a strong correlation between the informant report and higher amyloid deposition as well as lower cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annika C. Konrad, Veronika Engert, Reyk Albrecht, Christian Dobel, Nicola Doering, Jens Haueisen, Olga Klimecki, Mike Sandbothe, Philipp Kanske
Summary: Implementing a brief mindfulness exercise in regular university teaching sessions, guided by lecturers, is feasible and has immediate positive effects on students' mental states, including reduced stress, increased presence, higher motivation, and improved mood. This study, conducted with 325 students from 19 different university courses, demonstrates the potential benefits of mindfulness in higher education.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Veronika Engert, Olga Maria Klimecki, Philipp Kanske
Summary: Research has shown the numerous benefits of meditation training, including improvements in health, cognition, emotion, and social behavior. Sociologists have also demonstrated that individual traits and outcomes can spread through communities. In this article, the authors propose that the positive effects of meditation can similarly spread through social networks, influencing others through prosocial actions, cognitive improvements, and increased positive emotions. The authors argue that understanding and harnessing the spread of positive meditation effects can help address urgent challenges in our society.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Florence Requier, Harriet Demnitz-King, Tim Whitfield, Olga Klimecki, Natalie L. Marchant, Fabienne Collette
Summary: Persistent fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in several diseases. Meditation has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate this symptom, and it has shown benefits in reducing inflammation, pain, stress, anxiety, and depression associated with pathological fatigue. This review synthesizes data from randomized control trials and indicates that meditation-based interventions (MeBIs) effectively alleviate pathological fatigue, especially when compared to passive control groups. However, further research is needed to explore the specific effects of different types of meditation and pathological conditions, as well as their impact on different types of fatigue and additional conditions such as post-COVID-19 fatigue.
PSYCHOLOGICA BELGICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Harriet Demnitz-King, Florence Requier, Tim Whitfield, Marco Schlosser, Julie Gonneaud, Caitlin Ware, Thorsten Barnhofer, Nina Coll-Padros, Sophie Dautricourt, Marion Delarue, Olga M. Klimecki, Leo Paly, Eric Salmon, Ann-Katrin Schild, Miranka Wirth, Eric Frison, Antoine Lutz, Gael Chetelat, Fabienne Collette, Natalie L. Marchant
Summary: This study investigated the effects of 18 months' meditation training and 18 months' non-native language training on cognition in older adults. The results showed that these interventions did not have positive effects on cognitive functioning.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Silke White, Rene Mauer, Catharina Lange, Olga Klimecki, Willem Huijbers, Miranka Wirth
Summary: This longitudinal study found that elevated cortisol levels were associated with hippocampal atrophy and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), while smaller hippocampal volume was associated with higher risk of clinical progression to AD. The findings suggest that higher cortisol predicts hippocampal atrophy, which in turn is a risk factor for AD progression.
ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sebastian Baez-Lugo, Yacila Deza-Araujo, Christel Maradan, Fabienne Collette, Antoine Lutz, Natalie L. Marchant, Gael Chetelat, Patrik Vuilleumier, Olga Klimecki
Summary: Basic emotional functions appear intact in older adults, but their response to and recovery from negative social events are not well understood. The researchers used a 'task-rest' paradigm and functional MRI to investigate the neural dynamics of empathy-related functions in older adults. They found that emotional elicitation during the task enhanced resting-state connectivity between the default mode network and amygdala in older adults, and this connectivity was associated with higher anxiety, rumination, and negative thoughts.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Harriet Demnitz-King, Natalie L. Marchant
Summary: This study responds to Dr. Daly's query on the social determinants of brain health and finds that the association between self-reflection and AD-sensitive markers remains even after adjusting for education.
Article
Cell Biology
Valentin Ourry, Stephane Rehel, Claire Andre, Alison Mary, Leo Paly, Marion Delarue, Florence Requier, Anne Hendy, Fabienne Collette, Natalie L. Marchant, Francesca Felisatti, Cassandre Palix, Denis Vivien, Vincent de la Sayette, Gael Chetelat, Julie Gonneaud, Geraldine Rauchs
Summary: Sleep, especially slow wave sleep, plays a crucial role in cognitive functioning, but it is reduced in older adults. Cognitive reserve (CR) may modulate the impact of sleep on cognition. This study found that individuals with higher CR were able to maintain cognitive performance despite lower amounts of slow wave sleep, suggesting that CR may protect against age-related sleep changes on cognition.
