Yoga: A Solution for Strengthening the Mind and Combating Alzheimer's

Yoga, long recognized for its positive effects on flexibility and physical health, is now gaining attention in new scientific studies as a tool for improving cognitive function and even protecting against diseases such as Alzheimer's. Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and editor of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, emphasizes in his latest studies that yoga has positive effects not only on the body but also on the mind. According to him, yoga includes breathing, physical relaxation, meditation, and specific movements that together help individuals achieve optimal performance at all levels. A study conducted in 2015 found that yoga has been effective in improving attention, processing speed, executive function, and memory in healthy children and adults. Additionally, a 2021 study showed that yoga was associated with improved cognition, memory, and executive functions in older adults. Another recent study indicates that yoga can also be beneficial for older individuals at risk of cognitive decline. This study involved 79 women over 50 who reported cognitive decline and were at risk of Alzheimer's due to risk factors such as menopause and cardiovascular diseases. The results showed that those who participated in a yoga program had less cognitive decline compared to a group that only followed memory training. Naha Goteh, an assistant professor at Northeastern University, also emphasizes the importance of stress reduction and improving neuro-cognitive efficiency. She states, 'Yoga can reduce reactivity to stress and improve coping ability, which can lower exposure to stress hormones like cortisol. We know that the brain functions better under low-stress conditions.' Furthermore, research has shown that yoga can help increase gray matter volume in important brain areas such as the hippocampus, which is involved in memory, and the insular cortex, which is effective in recognizing internal bodily states. These findings indicate that yoga is significant not only as a physical activity but also as a mental exercise.