A new study from the University of California has concluded that there may be more health benefits to practicing yoga for seniors than simply improving their physical strength and balance. The study concluded that completing a three month program of yoga may reduce seniors risk of developing cognitive impairments.
The study participants took part in 1 hour Kundalini yoga class once a week as well as practicing Kirtan Kriya meditation for 20 minutes a day. The control group did memory enhancement training activities for 1 hour a week.
At the end of the study the yoga group showed more improvement in their visual-spacial memory and had statistically significant positive changes in brain connectivity. Both groups showed improvement in their verbal memory skills. The yoga group also experienced an added bonus of having lower levels of anxiety and depression after the 12 week study.
If you would like to learn more about the study you can get more information at Medical News Today.