Can meditation delay cognitive aging?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Meditation provides significant neuroprotection against cognitive decline due to age. Regular practice benefits the physical preservation of the parts of the brain responsible for memory storage and processing of mental events. Research has shown that meditators have maintained sharper cognitive function for a longer period than those who don't practice. I have observed the benefits of this protection in students older than 70 who consistently outperform their younger colleagues.
Hippocampal Preservation
- Maintains gray matter volume for memory storage
- Reduces typical age-related shrinkage by 30-50%
- Supports factual recall and spatial navigation
Neural Connectivity
- Strengthens white matter integrity between regions
- Enhances communication speed between brain areas
- Preserves complex problem-solving abilities
Cortical Thickness
- Maintains prefrontal cortex density
- Counters typical thinning of decision-making regions
- Supports executive function and attention control
Your hippocampus holds up against the usual age atrophy from meditation. This memory center holds volumes steadier than those of non-meditators of the same age. You are more consistent in remembering the names of people, events, and information. Research shows that meditators with 50 years of practice have hippocampal volumes more similar to those of 30-year-olds.
Enhanced neural connectivity safeguards processing speed. Improved pathways in white matter strengthen pathways in areas of the brain. Signals travel at a faster rate between your prefrontal cortex and the sensory areas. You can retain your quick thinking and reaction time into later life.
You can begin your protective practice at any age. Research shows that benefits begin in a few months, no matter when you start. I started at 40 and, now at 60, have a sharper focus than my colleagues. Regular sessions help develop cognitive reserve, which can lessen the impact of aging.
Read the full article: 10 Proven Meditation Benefits for Your Brain
