Preventing Cognitive Decline

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: The study aims to understand the mechanisms and training effects of evidence-based body-mind training on improving cognitive performance and preventing cognitive decline.

Detailed Description: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported perception of memory or cognitive problems, is a risk factor for the cognitive decline and development of Alzheimer's (AD) and often happens in midlife. Recently, few mind-body interventions have suggested promising effects in preventing cognitive decline. However, these interventions often require longer training time (months to years) to achieve modest benefits, making them less optimal for rapidly learning and achieving desirable outcomes. One mechanism for cognitive decline and AD may involve deficits in self-control networks, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) and these deficits can be ameliorated through body-mind interventions. This study aims to investigate the modulation effects of a novel body-mind intervention on SCD using an evidence-based preventive intervention - integrative body-mind training (IBMT).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Able to read/understand English
Normal performance using standardized cognitive tests
Self-reported decline in cognitive capacity such as memory loss
Eligible for non-invasive fMRI
Willing to be randomized
Free of any severe psychiatric diagnoses or medication that may affect participation

Exclusion Criteria

Medical disorders or medications that affect the central and autonomic nervous system; or a positive pregnancy test result (females)
Unable to provide consent or understand study procedures due to mental illness or cognitive limitations
Previous meditation experiences
Evidence of illicit drug use
Participants for blood draws weigh less than 110 lbs
Metal or metallic materials in the body such as pacemaker

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
health education	health education	Health education includes health-related topics - exercise, sleep, stress management, nutrition, lifestyle
IBMT mindfulness	IBMT mindfulness	An evidence-based preventive intervention - integrative body-mind training (IBMT) has shown positive effects in reducing stress, and improving self-control and brain plasticity related to cognitive performance. It has bodifulness and mindfulness components.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Percentage of Trials Correct On Working Memory Test	The outcome measures are assessed online or/and in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	The percentage of trials correct on N-back working memory test; higher percentage of trials correct mean a better outcome.
Intervention Effects on Cognitive Decline	The outcome measures are assessed online or/and in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	The composite measures of cognition such as subjective cognitive decline; the minimum and maximum values (1 and 27); higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Intervention Effects on Emotion Regulation	The outcome measures are assessed online or/and in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	The composite measures of executive function such as emotion regulation questionnaire; the minimum and maximum values (4 and 10); higher scores mean a better outcome.
Intervention Effects on Mindfulness	The outcome measures are assessed online or/and in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	The composite measures of executive function such as Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire; the minimum and maximum values (1 and 5); higher scores mean a better outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Intervention Effects on Brain Function	The outcome measures are assessed in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	Changes in the strength of brain functional connectivity were measured by functional resting-state brain imaging. Higher numerical values represent stronger connectivity/better outcomes and lower values represent weaker connectivity/worse outcomes. Arbitrary units are used and the theoretical range of the values is from 0 to 1.
Intervention Effects on Brain White Matter	The outcome measures are assessed in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	Changes in AD-signature cortical brain white matter (i.e., level of fractional anisotropy) were measured by diffusion imaging. Higher numerical values represent higher white matter integrity/better outcomes and lower values represent lower white matter integrity/worse outcomes. Arbitrary units are used and the theoretical range of the values is from 0 to 1.
Intervention Effects on Brain Grey Matter	The outcome measures are assessed in-person at baseline and post-intervention (2 weeks).	Changes in AD-signature cortical grey matter volume were measured by MRI structural imaging. Higher numerical values represent greater grey matter volume/better outcomes and lower values represent lower grey matter volume/worse outcomes.