Movement-based mind-body practices and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: Findings from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive function is a key component of healthy aging. While conventional physical activities (walking, jogging, etc.) have been shown to support physical and cognitive health in late-life, it remains unclear whether traditional Eastern movement-based mind-body practices (MBP) have long-term cognitive benefits above and beyond conventional leisure physical activities. This study examines the relationship between movement-based MBP and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults during a 10-year follow-up period. METHODS: We used data from Waves 2 (2004-05) and 3 (2013-14) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. MIDUS initially surveyed a national probability sample of community-living adults aged 24-75 years in 1995 (Wave 1). Tests of cognitive functioning measuring executive function and episodic memory were added in Wave 2 and repeated in Wave 3. We estimated multivariable linear regression models to examine the effect of MBP (Wave 2) on the episodic memory and executive function (Wave 3) while controlling for covariates (sociodemographic factors, health, and cognitive function at Wave 2). RESULTS: A total of 2097 individuals aged 42-92 years (M = 64 ±â€¯11, 56 % women) were included. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, health and functional status, and prior levels of cognitive function, engaging in MBP was independently associated with a smaller decline in episodic memory (b = 0.11, p = .03), but not executive function (b=0.03, p = .34). DISCUSSION: The findings provide the first large population-based evidence supporting the cognitive benefits of MBP over a 10-year period among middle-aged and older adults. Future research should examine whether MBP are effective non-pharmacological intervention to attenuate age-related cognitive decline.

Mind-body practices in U.S. adults: Prevalence and correlates.

OBJECTIVES: Mind-body practices (MBP), such as Yoga or Tai-Chi, have increased in popularity in the past 25 years in the US. These activities may help promote a less sedentary lifestyle and may have positive effects on health. The objective of the present study is to understand the prevalence and trends of MBP in US adults and the factors associated with their use in a population-based adult lifespan sample. METHODS: We used data from three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey (1995, 2005, and 2015), a population-based longitudinal study of community-dwelling adults. Only data from participants with valid observations across three waves (N = 2262) aged 24-74 years at baseline (M = 46; SD = 11) were used. We examined the prevalence of MBP, longitudinal patterns, and correlates of MBP use over 20 years. RESULTS: Rates of MBP use were relatively stable over time in this sample, with 20%, 17%, and 18% of participants using MBP at wave 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A number of sociodemographic and health variables were independently related to frequency of MBP use over 20 years: Women, participants with higher levels of education, never married participants, and participants who suffered from multiple chronic health conditions were more likely to use MBP. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that MBP may provide an opportunity for physical activity for individuals suffering from chronic health conditions. More research is needed to understand whether this, in turn, results in better health outcomes for these individuals.