Impact of mindfulness on brain structure and function.

Sustained mindfulness practice not only influences the mental and emotional state.

It has also been associated with significant neurobiological changes in the brain.

Research has begun to reveal how meditation and mindfulness can modulate brain structure, potentially counteracting some effects of aging and improving key cognitive and emotional functions.

Effects on Age-Related Cortical Thinning

One of the interesting findings relates to the phenomenon of "age-related cortical thinning".

With aging, it is natural that certain areas of the brain, particularly the cortex, tend to become thinner.

However, studies of long-term meditators, those with 20 to 30 years of consistent practice, have shown that their brains did not show this thinning to the same extent as non-meditators of similar age.

While this level of practice may not be accessible to most, it suggests a protective effect of meditation on brain structure.

Brain Changes with Shorter Practices

To investigate whether these benefits could be obtained with shorter periods of practice, other studies have examined the effects of mindfulness programs of shorter duration.

Research conducted at UCLA looked at people who meditated for eight weeks, approximately 30 minutes a day.

The results indicated that even this shorter period of practice led to observable brain changes in areas similar to those positively affected in long-time meditators.

These areas are involved in crucial functions.

Enhancing Executive Function and Decision Making

The observed brain changes have been located in regions associated with executive function, which includes skills such as planning, organization, working memory and decision making.

The prefrontal cortex, a key area for these abilities, is one of the areas that can be modified by mindfulness practice.

This suggests that mindfulness may contribute to clearer thinking and a better ability to make reflective decisions.

Cognitive Flexibility and Compassion

Cognitive flexibility. That is, the ability to adapt thinking and behavior to changing situations, also seems to benefit from mindfulness practice, according to documented brain changes.

In addition, modifications have been observed in brain areas linked to compassion, which may explain why mindfulness is often associated with increased empathy and prosocial attitudes.

These findings highlight the potential of mindfulness not only for individual well-being.

But also to improve the way we relate to others.