Discussion
cognitive decline
PATHOLOGY, CORTEX
This study sought to improve scientific understanding of the impacts of meditation training and non-native language training on cognition in cognitively healthy older adults. Contrary to expectations, there was no effect of intervention group on changes in global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, or attention. These findings challenge prevailing hypotheses that meditation training and non-native language training improve cognition in older adults.Composites sensitive to detecting cognitive changes associated with underlying AD pathology, such as the PACC5, are particularly pertinent for assessing intervention efficacy. We found no evidence for beneficial effects of meditation or non-native language training on PACC5 scores. Despite wide adoption in prospective clinical trials,In regards to episodic memory, there was no evidence of beneficial effects following either intervention. Existing studies provide limited evidence that non-native language training enhances episodic memory.Theoretical frameworks pose that engagement in meditation confers gains to attention and executive function.There were no changes on executive function from preintervention to postintervention. Existing evidence for meditation and non-native language training promoting executive functioning in older adults is mixed. Considering meditation training, 1 meta-analysis found that relative to comparators, MBIs did not improve executive functioningNonpharmacological interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline typically comprise interventions that are distal to the brain (eg, exercise, diet) and/or have limited utility of daily life (eg, cognitive training). Conversely, meditation and non-native language training are more proximal to brain function and the mind and have ecological relevance. Despite this, neither intervention significantly affected Age-Well’s coprimary outcomes (ie, volume and perfusion of the anterior cingulate cortex and insula).