Examining cognitive differences in expert meditators and non-meditators older adults

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Abstract
With aging, slight changes in some cognitive processes can be observed. Therefore, we aimed to assess if meditation expertise is associated with preserved cognition in key domains affected in aging. We used data from two older-adult samples of the Medit-Ageing Age-well Study: 135 non-meditators and 27 expert meditators. We examined group differences in four objective cognitive domains (attention, executive functioning, episodic memory, and global cognition) and three subjective scores: Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS) total score as well as Attentional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) internal and external scores using generalized mixed effect models, controlling for age, sex, and education. We did not observe group differences on attentional, executive and global cognitive scores or on ASQ internal score and CDS total score. However, meditators reported less external distraction (ASQ external score) and had better memory than non-meditators. These cross-sectional results indicate a better management of external stimuli and higher memory performance in expert meditators. Memory difficulties and distractions being the main complaints of older people, prolonged meditation practice could lead them to greater cognitive capacities important for healthy aging. Trial registration: NCT02977819 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Funding Information
  • Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS
  • FONDATION ALZHEIMER
  • Fondation Vaincre Alzheimer
  • Fondation pour la Recherche sur Alzheimer
  • Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale
  • Association France Alzheimer et maladies apparentées
  • EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (MR/T046171/1)
  • Fondation d’Entreprise MMA des Entrepreneurs du Futur

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