In:
Neuropsychobiology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 68, No. 1 ( 2013), p. 34-43
Abstract:
〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Background/Aims: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has enhanced cognition, positive emotion, and immunity in younger and middle-aged samples; its benefits are less well known for older persons. Here we report on a randomized controlled trial of MBSR for older adults and its effects on executive function, left frontal asymmetry of the EEG alpha band, and antibody response. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Older adults (n = 201) were randomized to MBSR or waiting list control. The outcome measures were: the Trail Making Test part B/A (Trails B/A) ratio, a measure of executive function; changes in left frontal alpha asymmetry, an indicator of positive emotions or approach motivation; depression, mindfulness, and perceived stress scores, and the immunoglobulin G response to a protein antigen, a measure of adaptive immunity. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 MBSR participants had a lower Trails B/A ratio immediately after intervention (p 〈 0.05); reduced shift to rightward frontal alpha activation after intervention (p = 0.03); higher baseline antibody levels after intervention (p 〈 0.01), but 〈 i 〉 lower 〈 /i 〉 antibody responses 24 weeks after antigen challenge (p 〈 0.04), and improved mindfulness after intervention (p = 0.023) and at 21 weeks of follow-up (p = 0.006). 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 MBSR produced small but significant changes in executive function, mindfulness, and sustained left frontal alpha asymmetry. The antibody findings at follow-up were unexpected. Further study of the effects of MBSR on immune function should assess changes in antibody responses in comparison to T-cell-mediated effector functions, which decline as a function of age.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0302-282X
,
1423-0224
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1483094-2
SSG:
5,2
SSG:
15,3
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