Memory Training Versus Yogic Meditation Training in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Memory Training Versus Yogic Meditation Training in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this pilot study is to test whether 6 months of supervised weekly Kundalini yoga classes and a brief daily meditation homework assignment can improve memory and thinking in older adults with mild memory complaints when compared to weekly classes of memory training with daily homework assignments.

The purpose of this pilot study intervention is to investigate brain mechanisms of response to memory enhancement training (MET) compared to Kundalini yoga and "Kirtan Kriya" meditation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that will be acquired from each subject at baseline and at 12 weeks (post-randomization).

Overall, the investigators anticipate recruiting 66 adults with memory complaints and diagnosed with MCI for adults 55 years old and older. Subjects will either receive: (1) MET class for 60 minutes per week; or (2) Kundalini yoga and "Kirtan Kriya" meditation class for 60 minutes per week. All assessments will be completed immediately after the interventions for a total of 10 visits in 12 weeks and a follow-up visit at 6 months (24 weeks)to monitor the overall benefit of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mild cognitive impairment amnestic type
• Clinical Dementia Rating scale score of 0.5
• SufficientEnglish proficiency and 8th grade or higher reading level as determined by the word reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-IV
• Capacity to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• Any current or past psychiatric disorders, or recent unstable medical or neurological disorders
• Any disabilities preventing their participation in the memory enhancement training (MET) (e.g. severe visual or hearing impairment)
• Insufficient English proficiency
• Diagnosis of dementia
• Mini Mental Health Examination score of 24 and below
• Psychoactive medications
• Participation in a psychotherapy that involves cognitive training
• Do not meet criteria for Mild cognitive impairment subtype
• Prior or current training in yoga.