The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials
PubMed 39046424 · doi:10.1177/08982643241263882
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on mental health and cognitive abilities in older adults. Searches were conducted across PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through June 2023. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
What was found
A total of 26 articles were included. MBIs produced statistically significant improvements compared to controls in depression, anxiety, quality of life, and working memory, but had no significant effect on other cognitive parameters. Moderator analysis indicated that interventions lasting less than 8 weeks yielded greater improvements in anxiety and quality of life than longer durations. The abstract provides no numerical effect estimates, confidence intervals, or p-values. No publication bias was detected.
Why it matters
This review suggests mindfulness-based interventions may offer a non-pharmacological approach for enhancing mood, quality of life, and working memory in older populations.
Limits
The abstract omits exact numerical effect sizes, confidence intervals, and total participant count. Control group types (active vs. inactive) and specific non-significant cognitive domains are not detailed.
Cited by
- supports Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to improve learning and memory.