Meditation and Music Improve Memory and Cognitive Function in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Innes, Kim E.^{a; b; *} | Selfe, Terry Kit^{a; b} | Khalsa, Dharma Singh^{c; d} | Kandati, Sahiti^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA | [b] Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA | [c] Department of Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA | [d] Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, Tucson, AZ, USA

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Kim E. Innes, MSPH, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, WVU School of Public Health, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. Tel.: +1 304 293 5206; Fax:+1 304 293 2700; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Background: While effective therapies for preventing or slowing cognitive decline in at-risk populations remain elusive, evidence suggests mind-body interventions may hold promise. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the effects of Kirtan Kriya meditation (KK) and music listening (ML) on cognitive outcomes in adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a strong predictor of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Sixty participants with SCD were randomized to a KK or ML program and asked to practice 12 minutes/day for 3 months, then at their discretion for the ensuing 3 months. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months we measured memory and cognitive functioning [Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), Trail-making Test (TMT-A/B), and Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)]. Results: The 6-month study was completed by 53 participants (88%). Participants performed an average of 93% (91% KK, 94% ML) of sessions in the first 3 months, and 71% (68% KK, 74% ML) during the 3-month, practice-optional, follow-up period. Both groups showed marked and significant improvements at 3 months in memory and cognitive performance (MFQ, DSST, TMT-A/B; p’s≤0.04). At 6 months, overall gains were maintained or improved (p’s≤0.006), with effect sizes ranging from medium (DSST, ML group) to large (DSST, KK group; TMT-A/B, MFQ). Changes were unrelated to treatment expectancies and did not differ by age, gender, baseline cognition scores, or other factors. Conclusions: Findings of this preliminary randomized controlled trial suggest practice of meditation or ML can significantly enhance both subjective memory function and objective cognitive performance in adults with SCD, and may offer promise for improving outcomes in this population.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, early memory loss, memory

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-160867

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 899-916, 2017