Effect of mindfulness meditation on attention and working memory in elderly people

• Author Details:   
• Bhagyalakshmi K
• Rekha D Kini
• Naren Kurmi ^*

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Introduction: Elderly age is associated with decline in cognitive functions. Attention and working memory are significantly affected during this phase of life.
Aim and Objective: To study the effect of mindfulness meditation (MM) on elderly age induced decline in attention and working memory.
Materials and Methods: 100 elderly participants were randomly divided in meditator group (n= 50) and control group (n = 50). Meditator group followed the MM schedule during 45 days study period. Digit Span test (DST) was used for pre- & post- study evaluation of attention & working memory.
Result: There was significant improvement (p < .05) in scores of DST for Meditator group participant. In control group, there were no significant changes in DST scores.
Conclusion: MM practice counters the elderly age induced decline in attention & working memory.

Keywords: Elderly, Mindfulness, Meditation, Attention, Working memory.